FRIDAY FAVORITES

Happy Friday, friends! Are you ready for the weekend? I know I am! Today I’m back with another edition of Friday Favorites and I can’t wait to share what all I’ve been loving with you guys! You know the drill, everything shown will be listed and linked below! So without further ado, let’s jump right in!

BEAUTY/SKINCARE

 

* 1. Jaclyn Hill Morphe Palette – $38: This is the palette of dreams; if you’re a warm eye shadow lover, this is for you! The colors are incredibly pigmented and very easy to blend out. The only thing I don’t like is that it doesn’t have a matte cream shade; the top 2 colors both have a shimmery finish which doesn’t work for setting an eye shadow primer, but aside from that, this palette is pure gold.

* 2. Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder – $30: I’ve talked about this powder before and I still love it. After using the RCMA no color powder off and on for months, I have been reaching for this bad boy again.

* 3. KL Polish: Ocean Drive – $8.50: Guys! Look at this color! This shade gives me serious mermaid vibes. I know KL Polish isn’t available overseas yet, but I JUST saw Kathleen tweet about adding international delivery soon so keep your eyes peeled for that! 🙂

* 4. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber & Green Tea – $7 – $12: If you’re looking for a soothing, inexpensive facial spray, check this one out! They also have a rosewater spray if that’s more your speed! 🙂

* 5. Julep It’s Whipped Matte Lip Mousse – $12 – $20: I know you guys are probably sick of me talking about this lippie but I just can’t help it! These are currently on sale for $12 dollars at Ulta and I think they are worth every penny! There are 10 shades in the line and the color shown above is Pillow Talk!

* 6. Covergirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir – $11.99: I have been loving this foundation lately! It gives me a healthy glow without looking or feeling greasy; it’s lightweight, buildable and incredibly comfortable to wear. Unfortunately there are only 10 shades in the line so if you have a deeper skin tone this might not work for you. Come on Covergirl, there are WAAAAYYYYY more than 10 skin tones in the world, please expand the line so everyone can enjoy your product.

* 7. Wet N Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder – $4.99: No surprise here; ever since I got this highlighter I haven’t worn anything else. If you haven’t tried this, run and get it ASAP!

* 8. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream – $38: Swoon, this stuff is amazing and feels great on the skin. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and makes my skin feel firmer and more much more healthy after just ONE use! FAB for the win!

* 9. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Parfum – $130: This is my holy grail perfume, I love it and can’t get enough. It’s sweet, fresh and a little citrusy. If you’re looking for a feminine scent with a little spice, check this out!

* 10. Tarte Pout Prep Lip Exfoliant – $16: If you are a liquid lipstick lover (or just have dry lips), you need this in your life. It has a minty scent and gently buffs away dead skin cells to create the perfect canvas for lipstick application or your favorite natural look!

FASHION/LIFESTYLE

* 1. VS The Player Sports Bra – $16.50: Full disclosure, I don’t use this for working out so I can’t really speak to its performance in that regard; however I can say that this is great for general lounging and is quite possibly the most comfortable sports bra I own!

* 2. Kate Spade New York Bangle – $22.40: I have a few Kate Spade bangles and love them all. They are simple, easy and can bring any outfit together with minimal effort! NOTE: This is currently 30% off at Nordstrom making it only $22.40…yaassssss!

* 3. Treasure & Bond Knotted Tassel Scarf – $35: I. Love. This. Scarf. The grey color is divine and goes with just abut anything. It’s long, cozy and the tassels add a pop of fun! It comes in 5 shades and all are a dream, you can’t really go wrong!

* 4. Michael Kors Selma Medium Satchel – $223.50 – $298: With the summer months coming to a close it’s time to bring out my fall bags: first on the list, this beauty from MK. The navy shade is divine and the size is perfect; it holds all of my essentials and PLENTY more! It’s currently on sale for $223.50 and is worth much more than that (IMO)!

* 5. Cotton Yoga Legging – $39.95: Guys I know VS leggings may not be the BEST quality but they sure are comfy. Despite being 30 years old, I still love the PINK line and feel no shame in saying that. Some say it’s tacky and too loud but I say it’s cozy and fun. Bring on the PINK sweats, they are some of my favorites!

* 6. Young Living Essential Oils – If you saw my post from yesterday then you know that I recently joined the oily tribe. So far I have really been enjoying the journey and 3 of my heavy hitters are Lavender, Stress Away and Frankincense. If you are at all interested in essential oils you can read my post from yesterday HERE and I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have!

* 7. Sueded D’Orsay Flats – $26: I have these in 2 colors: Fuchsia & Lavender (currently unavailable) and I love them both! I’ll be honest, it took a solid 2 weeks to get over the “break-in” stage, but once I got through that, they were amazing! There are 6 shades to choose from and I think I might go back and get another pair…the ‘Terra Cotta’ ones are calling my name!

TV/MOVIES

* 1. New Girl: It’s no surprise that New Girl made ANOTHER appearance in my Friday Favorites. Nick and Jess make my heart skip a beat and Winston’s terrible prank ideas make me howl with laughter. If you’re looking for a funny sitcom with the right amount of sweetness, give this one a try! And since most of you already know how I feel about the show, I’ll save the long-winded review for later and just highlight some of my favorite episodes below!

* “Wedding” – Season 1: Episode 3

* Injured” – Season 1: Episode 15

* Basically all of season 2 {especially, Fluffer (3), Santa (10), Cooler (15), Parking Spot (17) & Virgins (23)}

* “Birthday” – Season 3: Episode 13

* * There are so many that I love but I’ll stop here for now **

* 2. How I Met Your Mother: I know, I’m incredibly late to the party…shocker! David and I decided to take a beak from Parenthood (it just wasn’t grabbing me anymore) and he suggested this little gem to me! We are currently in season 2 and so far I love it. I know that Robin and Ted don’t end up together but David has assured me that it won’t ruin the show. And since he knows me so well, I’ll take his word for it (he’s been right with everything else so far) and keep watching with an open mind!

* 3. The Holiday: Eeeekkkkkkkkk, look at that face; Jude Law is such a stunner. For those of you who don’t know, The Holiday is one of my favorite movies of all time. Call me cheesy (I don’t care) but I just can’t get enough. Jude Law is swoon-worthy and Jack Black is incredibly charming. If you’ve never seen this movie and like a good Rom Com, watch it, you won’t regret it!

MUSIC

** I apologize for the ridiculous amount of country on this list but it’s been that kind of week/month. Thomas Rhett nailed it with “Leave Right Now” and Brett Young is so swoon-worthy I could die! **

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So that wraps up this edition of Friday Favorites! I hope you guys had a wonderful week and I hope you have an even better weekend! Let me know what products/songs/shows you’ve been loving lately and what you have planned for the weekend down below, I’d love to hear from you!

-B

WEDNESDAY SPOTLIGHT: MY OILY JOURNEY

Happy hump day, friends! I know I typically talk about beauty and fashion here on my blog but today I thought I would share something a little different with you all! I recently took the plunge and joined the oily girls tribe and thought that I would share with you how I’ve been using my oils and what I think about the transition so far. For those of you that don’t know, essential oils are all the rage right now, they are said to help with physical and emotional health as well as purifying your home & revamping your beauty routine. Before jumping into the oily scene I had always heard about Young Living and doTERRA and after doing some research of my own, they definitely seem like the two most reputable and trustworthy companies out there. I chose to take the Essential Oils leap with Young Living thanks to a friend of mine, Haley! She has been using and posting about Young Living for quite some time and after giving it a lot of thought, I decided to just go for it. I reached out to her with some general questions and she was more than willing to help me navigate these oily waters. She was never pushy in any way and I could tell that she was genuinely interested in my reasons for seeking out essential oils. She was truly an invaluable piece to my oily journey and I can’t thank her enough! After researching different oils and the ways they could help support both my mental and physical health, I purchased the Premium Starter Kit and haven’t looked back since. While I am still new (and learning all the ins and outs) to the oily community, I have thoroughly enjoyed my results so far.

The Premium Starter Kit comes with a diffuser, 11 Essential Oils (I added an extra when I placed my order), 2 NingXia Red® samples, a product guide & price list and some other fun goodies! My main concerns when starting this journey were migraine & anxiety support, lethargy and general wellness and I can tell you that the oils in this starter kit have helped me tremendously. No, my anxiety and migraines aren’t completely gone, but I have definitely experienced relief since incorporating these into my life. I thought I could take this time to go over each oil that comes in the kit and tell you some basic information about each one and what I have been using them for! I should start by saying that I am in no way an oily expert and am still figuring things out as I go. Also, you will notice that some oils have a white wrapping and say “vitality” on them, this just means that they are safe for consumption (think tea and delicious recipes), so without further ado, let’s jump into these oils!

**Disclaimer: This post is not intended to diagnose or make medical recommendations. If you are pregnant or nursing, please refer to your PCP for guidance on what oils are safe to use and consume at the present time! Everyone’s body is different, I’m simply sharing what works for me!**

* 1. Lemon Vitality – I use this both aromatically and for consumption. It carries gentle detox properties while promoting a healthy pH balance! Bonus: It’s great in water & tea and smells like a citrus dream!

* 2. Copaiba Vitality – I will be honest, I’ve only used this aromatically (for now) but I’ve really enjoyed the result. I use this in my relaxation blends and have really noticed a difference in my bodies response to irritation and stress!

* 3. Thieves Vitality – If there was ONE oil that I heard about constantly before making this leap, it was Thieves. I use this both aromatically and for consumption and I can tell you that it provides amazing immune support! I struggle with allergies all year round and this season has been no different; before thieves I would be a walking wreck (I don’t handle sore throats and general ickiness well), but now I just whip this bad boy out and I’m much less miserable! A couple of drops in some hot water & honey create a wonderful wellness tea!

* 4. Digize Vitality – I will be honest, my relationship with this oil is still a work in progress! I tend to use this topically to help support healthier digestion but have also tried diffusing it as well. Unfortunately I ended up tossing the blend because it was a WEE bit strong for me! Again, I’m still learning. If you have any recommendations on the best ways to use this oil, let a girl know!

* 5. Peppermint Vitality – I’m pretty sure this was the oil I was most excited to try! As soon as my kit arrived I made a roller ball headache blend and keep with me at all times! It’s certainly not a cure all, but it provides incredible support when I’m struggling with tension headaches and migraines. Bonus: It smells amazing and tastes great when added to water and tea!

* 6. Panaway – I use this topically to help support achy muscles and even rub it on the back of my neck when I start feeling the least bit tense. I have also heard that it can provide support to women during that dreaded monthly Mother Nature visit (I will test this theory and let you know)!

* 7. R.C. – I have been diffusing this like a mad woman; it offers incredible respiratory support (among other things) and has been a wonderful addition to my wellness blends.

* 8. Purification – This is another gem that has made a healthy number of appearances in my wellness blends. It can help support healthy breathing and air purification and is even great for deodorization. Bonus: I hear this can help support those with acne prone skin (don’t worry, I’ll be testing this theory further)!

* 9. Frankincense – I have been using this primarily in my anxiety blends and I LOVE IT! It helps me maintain my focus and supports a more positive mindset. I have also added this to the back of my neck for headache support.

* 10. Lavender – The holy grail of all oils! Guys, I use this ALL. THE. TIME. So much so that I am getting another bottle in my October ER order. There are so many uses for this oil there is no way I could possibly list them all. I have been using this in my relaxation blends to help me unwind and promote healthier sleep and I love it; the scent took some getting used to (at least for me) but I’ve definitely come around!

* 11. Stress Away – I mean come on, who doesn’t want an oil titled “stress away,” I know I do. This is perfect for those days when you’re feeling mentally off and just generally overwhelmed. You can add a couple drops to your diffuser, mix in a little Lavender (or Frankincense) and sit back and relax. I have also taken this with me when traveling (near or far) and rubbed a little on the insides of my wrists to promote feelings of peace when things around me get crazy. I really can’t say enough about this oil, it’s amazing!

* * 12. Peace & Calming II – This didn’t come with my starter kit but I really wanted to add another oil to support stress and feelings of anxiety. After perusing Young Living’s MANY options, I settled on this one! I can honestly say that this has been VERY well loved since the day I opened it! I use it to help promote restful sleep and relaxation and have recently turned it into a rollerball! Nothing like a little peace & calming on the go!

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I know essential oils aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay! I just wanted to take a moment and share my journey with you guys so that if you had questions about the oily life, how I use my oils and my favorite blends, you would know where to find me! I’m so happy that I took the plunge and ordered my starter kit from Young Living (thanks again, Haley); the company is a step above the rest and their seed to seal promise ensures that I’m putting only the best in my body and in my home! If you have any questions at all or would like to share your favorite blends and ways to use your oils, please reach out down below, I’d love to hear from you!

UPDATE…

Hey guys, I just wanted to hop on here and apologize for the lack of content this week. Due to hurricane Irma we’ve been without power for going on 48 hours and have been told that it could be days before we’re back up and running. Of course no power means desperate times for my phone and laptop batteries. I’ve been living my life in airplane mode and charging my phone in my car when it gets dangerously low. Thankfully last night a family friend offered to charge all of our devices while David and I went out to eat…never underestimate the power of a hot meal and a fully charged cell phone! I am back at work today catching up on emails and everything that I’ve missed over the past few days but I have a few posts in the works and can’t wait to get them up for you all! Until then, stay safe friends! I will see you all soon!

-B

AND THE WINNER IS…

Hey y’all! As most of you know my giveaway closed last night at 9pm EST! I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you that entered and helped make this such a success! I look forward to reaching more milestones and celebrating with more fun giveaways in the future! So without further ado, the winner is…..

Again, thank you for all of your unwavering support; it truly means the world to me! I hope to continue inspiring and creating content that all of you love and enjoy reading! If you have any suggestions or would like me to do/review something specific, please don’t ever hesitate to let me know! I hope you guys are having a wonderful week and I hope you have an even better weekend! If you are in the path of Hurricane Irma, please stay safe and know that I am praying for you! See you guys next week!

-B

BATH & BODY WORKS HAUL

Happy Friday guys! I’m sorry I’ve been so MIA this past week, those dreaded fall allergies have finally caught up with me. I’m still struggling with a cough and some congestion but I’m hoping over the next few days it will all clear up! Now that I’ve addressed my absence, lets talk about FALL CANDLES!!!! A couple of weeks ago I placed a MASSIVE Bath & Body Works order…I mean seriously huge. They were running their Buy 3, get 3 free promotion and boy did I take advantage of that! I ended up getting 12 candles and a body cream. Did I do too much? Maybe. Do I regret my decision? Definitely not! If you’re a candle lover like me, Bath & Body works is running a few promotions that you don’t want to miss. I will be sure to highlight their specials and all the coupon codes down below! So without further ado, let’s jump right in!

**Free item with any $10 purchase + FREE SHIPPING on $40 dollars or more with the code: REFRESHING! **All 3-wick candles are $12.50 when you buy 2 or more! **Buy 3, Get 2 free Signature Body Care! **Buy 3, get 2 free Retired Body Fragrances! **3 for $12.50 select Travel Body Care! **2 for $10 select Hand Soaps! **2 for $12 Room Sprays! **4 for $10 Car Scentportables refills!**

* 1. Pumpkin Apple – $24.50: Outside of a pure Pumpkin Spice, this is my ultimate fall scent! I love the way apple pairs with pumpkin so I knew this was a MUST buy for me! The subtle hints of cinnamon and clove add a cider like scent that can transcend any season! If you’re looking for a smooth, fall scent, look no further, this is for you!

* 2. Vanilla Pumpkin Marshmallow – $22.50: If you’re a vanilla/pumpkin kinda gal, I think you might really like this. The cinnamon gives it just the right amount of spice to help balance the sweetness; so while it is sweet, it’s not sickly sweet! It’s a cozy scent, if that makes any sense. It’s the perfect compliment to your sipping coffee on those crisp fall mornings.

* 3. Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin – $22.50: Okay, so this one was a little different than I was expecting. The cinnamon FAR outweighs the pumpkin and it’s much stronger than I anticipated. If you’re not a fan of spiced clove, I would definitely pass on this one. It’s definitely not as strong once it’s lit, but it’s still heavy on the cinnamon and LIGHT on the pumpkin. After lighting it up, I like it more than I thought I would. Just keep in mind that if you’re hoping for a pumpkin spice kind of scent, this isn’t it.

* 4. Cactus Blossom – $24.50: The coconut & vanilla create a smooth floral aroma that just won’t quit! If you like floral scents, try this, you won’t be disappointed. Personally I only light 2 wicks at a time, as it can be a little sweet and strong for me, but never-the-less, it’s a lovely scent!

* 1. Flannel – $22.50: I still have this left over from last year but wanted to include it because it’s one of my favorite scents of all time and I know it’s currently on sale at B&BW! If you are someone who enjoys a “man candle” this is 100% for you. It smells like cologne with just a hint of sweetness. It’s perfect for the fall and winter months and I ALWAYS have back up!

* 2. Autumn – $22.50: I went out on a limb and ordered this despite being on the fence about it, and I’m so glad that I did. It really does smell like fresh, crisp, fall air. If you’re looking for something light and airy while still being “fall,” give this a try! It’s definitely one of my new favorite scents!

* 3. Sunlit Cedar – $24.50: I haven’t lit this one yet, but in the jar it smells amazing. It’s another “man(ish) candle” and I can’t wait to add this to my rotation. Some of the reviews are less than favorable but I will reserve judgment until I can smell it for myself! For now it smells lovely in the jar and I’m excited to light it up! Also, look at that beautiful packaging…I die!

* 4. Pumpkin Pecan Waffles – $22.50: This was David’s pick and boy was it a good one! It’s the closest thing I could find to a pure pumpkin spice; it’s definitely a little sweeter but not in a bad way! I was worried the maple syrup would be too overpowering for me but to my surprise, it’s just right! It’s cozy, makes me want a waffle and is perfect for the upcoming season! I give it two thumbs up!

* 5. Spiced Pumpkin Cider Body Cream – $13.50: Swoon! I am obsessed with this scent! It’s definitely more apple-cinnamon than pumpkin, but either way, I love it all the same! This is another product that got unfavorable reviews on the B&BW website, however if you are a fan apple cider scented things, don’t let that deter you, it really is great!

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So that wraps up this Bath & Body Works Haul! I hope you enjoyed this post and I hope you are as ready for this cozy, fall weather as I am!

-B

AUGUST FAVORITES

How is it already September 1st? Where did the time go? As much as I’ll miss the summer weather, I’m beyond ready for fall! It’s easily my favorite season and with it comes football, crisp weather and great fashion; what’s not to love? However before we jump into the fall season, I want to share my August favorites with you all! As always, I will link everything down below so let’s jump right in!

* 1. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder – $26: When I first got this powder, I didn’t love it; however after playing around with it for the past month (or two), I have fallen in love! It’s not drying in any way, it never creases and it gives my under eye area that extra brightness it craves!

* 2. ABH Modern Renaissance Palette – $ 42: No surprise here! I’ve talked about this product before and after using other palettes in my collection for a while, I found myself reaching for this one again. Maybe it’s the impending weather change, or maybe I just missed their buttery consistency, either way I’ve been using it all month and still love it just as much!

* 3. Julep It’s Whipped Matte Lip Mousse – $20: This is one of the easiest lip products I’ve ever used. It’s lightweight, pigmented, easy to apply and stays on all day! I have mine in the shade Bisou and I love it!

* 4. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blush – $7.99: As I’ve mentioned before, I’m really into blush lately. The ones from Neutrogena have a beautiful finish and give a nice flush to the cheeks. If you’re looking for something that’s pretty and subtle (when you use a light hand), give this one try!

* 5. Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara – $8.99: I mentioned this mascara in my Top 10 Under $10 and have been using it non-stop. I don’t know if I like it better than my Tarte: Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara, but it’s definitely been my go-to product over the past month (or two)!

* 6. No7 Beautiful Skin Hydration Mask – $16.99: I have been on the hunt for an affordable hydrating face mask for what feels like forever and I think I finally found one! You can leave it on for 3-10 minutes or apply a thin layer and leave it on overnight. I have tried it both ways and have experienced incredible results each time! If you’re in need of some extra hydration, check this brand out!

* 7. It Cosmetics CC+ Cream – $38: After using the Clinique Beyond Perfecting foundation for a couple months straight, I’m back to reaching for this bad boy. It provides great coverage and never feels heavy on the skin. I just can’t quit it!

* 8. EVA NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask – $14.99: I don’t know about you guys, but my hair can feel like straw on any given day. I have incredibly thick, coarse hair and it needs as much help as it can get. I like to apply this after shampooing my hair and typically leave it on for 10 minutes; when I rinse it out my ends feel baby soft! If you’re struggling with damaged, dry hair, give this a try and let me know what you think!

* 9. KL Polish – $8.50: I know, I know, I should probably stop putting these polishes in my favorites posts but I just can’t help it! I have been wearing Zoey and St. Clair (pictured above) all month and just can’t get enough! I know these are unavailable in other countries BUUUUTTT I will be including 2 shades in my 300+ follower giveaway, so if you’re interested, you can enter HERE!

* 10. Real Techniques Setting Brush – $7.99: I love, love, love this brush for my traditional powder highlighters! It applies beautifully and is incredibly affordable, you can’t really go wrong!

* 11. Jojoba Oil – $13.99: I recently ran out of my Josie Maran Argan Oil and wanted to try something new. I had heard great things about jojoba oil and wanted to give them a try! I use this before going in with my moisturizer and have been loving the result. I find that it soaks into the skin quicker than my argan oil and leaves me hydrated without feeling greasy! I have also recently taken the Essential Oil plunge and heard that this was a great carrier oil so I’m excited to learn new ways in which I can use this in my everyday life!

* 1. Victoria’s Secret PINK Varsity Crew – $49.95: With the evenings starting to cool down, I have been reaching for my VS varsity crew A LOT! It’s oversized, lightweight, long and extremely comfy! If you’re looking for a basic, long-sleeve tunic to wear over your leggings, check this one out!

* 2. Victoria’s Secret PINK Cotton High-Waisted Legging – $35.95: I know these probably aren’t the best leggings in the world, but they are so comfortable! I typically pair them with the varsity crew listed above and have never been comfier!

* 3. Monogrammed Navy/Garnet Plaid Blanket Scarf – $22.95: I mentioned this scarf in my Fall Essentials post and have been wearing it non-stop. I have about 9-10 scarves that I wear pretty regularly depending on my outfit, but this one has been a constant staple over the past month or so. While it’s still relatively warm outside, my office hoovers around 60 degrees so I’m always trying to stay bundled up! If you’re looking for an affordable plaid scarf for the cooler months, check out Etsy, they have a plethora of options!

* 4. Converse Chuck Taylor ‘Shoreline’ Sneaker – $49.95: I’ve talked about these 25436874 times here on my blog! I’ll save you the speech, just know they are my absolute favorite!

* 5. BP. ‘Moveover’ Pointy Toe Flat – $49.95: I wear flats to work almost everyday and these are my most reached for pair ever. I love a good, nude shoe because it can be worn with a variety of outfits! After breaking these in, they are some of my most comfy flats ever!

ENTERTAINMENT

* New Girl: Guys! Do you watch this show?!?! It’s probably my favorite CURRENT show, I just can’t get enough. With the final season rapidly approaching, I have been going back and watching all of my favorite moments…especially those between Nick & Jess…swooooooon! If you’ve never watched it, give it a try, I think you’ll like it!

* Gilmore Girls: If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I love Gilmore Girls (the original series). I just so happened to be flipping through the channels and saw “Friday Night’s Alright For Fighting” was on…you know the episode where Logan saves Rory & the Yale Daily News…and it was all downhill from there! I immediately hopped on Netflix and started watching my favorite episodes/scenes and found myself down the rabbit hole of all rabbit holes! As most of you know I’m 150% team Logan and swoon at the chance to watch him on TV. As much as I enjoy watching the original series over and over, I don’t have the same feelings in regards to the reboot (I talk alllllll about my feelings HERE, if you’re interested). In any case, I will happily watch the original

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So that wraps up my August Favorites! What have you guys been loving lately! Leave a comment down below and let me know! I hope you guys have an awesome Labor Day weekend, be safe and I’ll catch you guys next week!

-B

WEDNESDAY SPOTLIGHT: PRAY FOR TEXAS

Happy hump day friends; I’m sure many (if not all) of you have seen countless images floating around the internet of the catastrophic damage Hurricane Harvey has done to Houston and the surrounding areas. However for those of you who don’t know, I will save you the heartbreaking photos and just tell you that the damage is widespread and incredibly severe. People have lost loved ones, homes, cars, pets and so much more. At a time where our world feels more divided than ever, I urge you to lend a hand and lift the people of Texas up in prayer as they begin to rebuild their lives. It might not be for everyone, and that’s okay, but I wholeheartedly believe in the power of prayer (and positive thinking) and the people in and around Houston could use as much as they can get. I know when it comes to donating money people are very particular about the organizations in which they choose to support, as they should be. We should all be diligent in our efforts to ensure that our support gets to the people and communities that need them the most. With that being said, I’ve had a number of people ask me how they can help so I have created a list of organizations that are accepting donations and will leave their information below! And while monetary donations are certainly needed, that isn’t the only way to help. Blood donations, diapers, wipes (just to name a few) and PRAYER are also incredibly helpful at this time.

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS:

  • Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund: This fund has been set up by the mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner after citizens and business alike inquired on ways in which they could help! Note: This fund is being administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation.
  • Houston Food Bank and Food Bank of Corpus Christi are asking for monetary donations to help provide food, water and supplies to those who are in need.
  • South Texas Blood & Tissue Center: It has been widely reported that there is a critical blood shortage throughout the Southern part of Texas. If you live in the San Antonio area and are interested in donating blood, many of the donor rooms will begin operating under extended business hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). In addition to longer operating hours, the STBTC has scheduled a number of mobile blood drives this week. You can make an appointment by visiting the website linked above or by calling (210) 731-5590.
  • Texas Diaper Bank: The TDB has released an urgent request for donations because diapers are not provided by disaster relief agencies. Diaper donations can be dropped off or sent to 5415 Bandera Rd. Ste 504, San Antonio, TX 78238 & monetary donations can be made through the website listed above!
  • United Way of Greater Houston: A relief fund has been set up and will be used to help with the immediate needs of those in the community as well as long-term relief efforts. Visit their website or text UWFLOOD to 41444 to donate!
  • Houston Humane Society: The folks over at the HHS are operating with a very limited staff but are helping with animal intake as much as they can!
  • San Antonio Humane Society: The SAHS has started an emergency fund, Harvey’s Heroes, to help offset the costs associated with sheltering misplaced animals due to Hurricane Harvey.
  • Houston SPCA: The selfless employees of the HSPCA have rescued numerous animals from the dangerous flood waters and are asking for your support so that they can continue their efforts! If you’re interested, visit the website linked above to see how you can help!

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:

  • American Red Cross: You can visit www.redcross.org or text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation!
  • AmeriCares: This organization takes medicine and supplies to those in need. For every $10 dollars donated, AmeriCares is able to provide $200 dollars worth of aid.
  • Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities provides food, clothing, shelter & support services to those in need (regardless of your religious affiliation)! Visit the website linked above to find out how you can help today!
  • Salvation Army: You can visit www.salvationarmyusa.org, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or text STORM to 51555 to donate today!
  • AABB: Due to dangerous conditions and widespread flooding, many blood drives in and around South Texas have been canceled. The AABB is urging all eligible donors across America, especially those with O+ blood types, to make a donation appointment ASAP! If you are interested in donating blood, I will leave information for various organizations below!

ONLINE ORGANIZATIONS:

  • GoFundMe: The website has created a landing page for all relief campaigns benefiting Hurricane Harvey!
  • YouCaring: This page has been set up by Houston Texans Defensive End, J.J. Watt. His campaign has currently raised over 5.6 million dollars and is still going strong!
  • GlobalGiving: A relief fund has been set up to support recovery efforts by providing immediate assistance with food, fuel, hygiene products, clean water & shelter. Once the immediate needs have been met, this fund will transition to support long-term care and assistance run by local Gulf Coast organizations.

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If you know of any other organizations; local, national or otherwise, leave their information down below so we can help create an exhaustive list of ways to help! I really appreciate you guys taking the time to read this post and if any of my followers are in and around the Houston area, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I will do anything I can to help and hope you receive some relief soon! xoxo

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer”

Romans 12:12

-B

TOP 10 UNDER $10

Happy Monday, friends and welcome back! Today I thought I would share with you my top 10 beauty products under $10 dollars! Beauty products can be outrageously expensive and I know that not everyone is on board with spending hundreds of dollars on makeup & skincare products, so if you’re one of those people, this post is for you! I have added a few extra items at the end, some are a touch above $10 dollars but I thought they were worth sharing anyways! So let’s just jump right in.

* 1. Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara – $5.99: I was actually introduced to this mascara via Cassi Turner from Cassixmakeup. I was a religious user of the Maybelline Rocket mascara but immediately preferred this formula after giving it a try! It’s not too wet, it’s not too clumpy, it’s just right.

* 2. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer – $5.49: I absolutely LOVE this concealer! It’s lightweight, never cakey and always does the job! If I’m struggling with major dark circles and need a little extra coverage I will mix it with the LA Girl Pro Concealer or the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (both under $10). It always sits nicely on top of my foundation and never breaks up throughout the day; if you’re looking for a medium coverage concealer that doesn’t break the bank, check this out!

* 3. Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation – $8.29: This is my favorite foundation from the drugstrore and is easily in my top 5 favorite foundations of all time. It has medium (buildable) coverage and a beautiful finish! It’s lightweight, has great lasting power and never gets cakey. If you’re in the market for something new, you may really like this!

* 4. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Lip Color – $7.99: This is my favorite lip product…of all time. I love the coverage, I love the finish, and I love the ease of use. I typically don’t go for a matte look, but this is just too perfect to pass up! It’s comfortable on the lips and incredibly easy to wear. There are 10 shades to choose from but I’m hoping they expand the line for the upcoming fall season! Fingers crossed!

* 5. Batiste Dry Shampoo – $5.99: No surprise here! You guys already know how I feel about Batiste so I will save you the long draw-out details, just know that it’s my favorite and I CANNOT live without it!

* 6. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder – $5.49: As far as powders go, this is one of the best! I love the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores pressed powder but I’m not rushing out to repurchase it because I have this little gem hanging out in my collection. It’s perfect for setting your makeup and for touch-ups throughout the day! If you are looking for an affordable powder, give this a try, you won’t regret it!

* 7. Milani Baked Blush – $7.49: I know this is not the first time I or anyone else has mentioned how great this blush is so I won’t pretend that it is. I’ll just tell you that I think it looks beautiful on a variety of skin tones and is the perfect blush to compliment almost any look! If you haven’t given it a try, I would totally recommend doing so. It’s affordable and absolutely beautiful on the skin!

* 8. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes – $5.99: I know a lot of people prefer using micellar water or cleansing oils to remove their makeup, but I’m sticking with my Neutrogena wipes! I tend to prefer wipes because they are easier, less messy and never irritate my eyes! If I’m not wearing any eye makeup then I will use the micellar water and a cotton pad to cleanse my face before going in with my cleanser, but 9 times out of 10 I just use a makeup remover wipe!

* 9. L’Oreal Infallible 24HR Eye Shadow – $6.99: These are some of the best eye shadows at the drugstore! The color payoff is INSANE and they look beautiful all over the lid! Some of my favorite shades are: Iced Latte, Amber Rush (perfect for fall) & Bronzed Taupe!

* 10. Wet N Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder – $4.99: Guys! This highlighter is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I have mine in the shade Precious Petals and I’m in love! Depending on how heavy handed you are it can be a nice natural(ish) highlight or it can be a BOOM in your face, kind of glow! They have 6 different shades, and for $4.99, you can’t go wrong!

BONUS ITEMS!

* 1. EVA NYC Surf’s Up Texture Spray – $11.99: I started using this a couple of months ago and have been loving it! It’s not sticky in any way and doesn’t weigh down my hair. When I curl my hair or are working with 2-3 day old straight hair, I love to throw a little of this in to help make it a little more piecey! If you’re looking for an affordable texturizing spray that isn’t heavy or sticky, give this one a try! Bonus: It smells amazing!

* 2. NYX Butter Gloss – $4.99: I know you guys are tired of hearing me talk about these glosses but they are just so good! They are lightweight, pigmented and never feel sticky! They are perfect on their own or on top of a lipstick! They have a variety of shades that would suit a number of skin tones! For $4.99 can you really go wrong?

* 3. NYX Ombre Blush – $9.99: I love the NYX ombre blushes! They are natural enough to wear with no makeup but are pigmented enough to wear with a full face! There are 6 colors to choose from and I have mine in the shade ‘Mauve Me’.

* 4. Dose of Colors Creamy Lipstick – $16: Okay so I know this one is wee bit over the $10 dollar limit, but I just had to mention it. I don’t own a ton from Dose of Colors but I do own a couple of their creamy lipsticks and I love them! If you’re a matte lip kinda gal, you’ll probably wanna pass on these, but if you are someone who prefers something with a little more hydration, you might really like these! There are 18 colors to choose from and I have mine in the shades: Ditto & Playdate!

* 5. Ulta Gel Eyeliner Pencil – $8: I have been on the hunt for a brown eyeliner that actually stayed in my water line and wasn’t 20+ dollars, and guess what, I finally found one! I know everyone’s eyes are different and what works for me might not work for you; but if you have been looking for an eyeliner that is pigmented and stays put, try this out! They have a wide variety of shades that would suit a number of looks and for 8 bucks, I think you could do worse!

* 6. Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer – $14.99: Again, I know this comes in a little over the $10 dollar limit but it’s the cheapest bronzer that own/use and thought it was worth mentioning! $15 dollars for a drugstore bronzer is a little pricey but it’s 150% worth the money. It’s not too warm, it’s not too cool, it’s just right! It lasts forever and I just can’t get enough! BONUS: It works great as an eye shadow, smells like a dream and will last you a loooooooonng time!

* 7. NYX BB Cream – $12.99: I know that not everyone is into full coverage foundation so I thought I would share one of my favorite BB Creams with you all. It’s lightweight, hydrating without being greasy, and has good coverage (for a BB cream). Unfortunately they only have 3 shades which is a bummer, so if you are really fair or have a deeper skin tone this probably won’t work for you. With any luck NYX will hear everyone’s complaints and expand their line! Fingers crossed!

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So that’s it for my top 10 under $10! I hope you guys enjoyed this post! Let me know down below what some of your top 10 under $10 are, I would love to hear from you! In case you didn’t see my last post, I am doing a giveaway to celebrate 300+ followers and would love to have you enter! If you are interested in winning a complete at-home pamper kit, you can enter HERE! Also, if you are interested, me and a few of my blogging friends will be hosting a giveaway on Instagram tonight at 6pm EST and we would love to have you come check it out! My Instagram name is @brittebabe15 and is always listed on the sidebar of my website! If the giveaway isn’t your cup of tea, no worries, I’d still love to have you stop by and say hi!

-B