June Favorites

Happy almost July! Since today is the last day of June, I thought it'd only make sense for me to finally finish up my June favorites post and post it! So here are the products that got the most love from me in June!

Laura Geller Blush-N-Brighten in Honey Dipped

I'm absolutely in love with Honey Dipped. It's funny because I went from not knowing much about this company at all to falling in love with this amazing baked blush of theirs. I used it like insane since I received it in my Birchbox early this month. Read my review here.

 

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Tipsy

Nothing new here, I'm sure many of you know that I've been attached to this little gorgeous gem for a while now. Tipsy is great for those humid days (which is typical for Chicago summers) because it lasts on my face all day! No need for touch ups yay! Read my review here.

Sonia Kashuk Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

I first read about this tinted moisturizer on Tiffany's amazing blog Will Work for Makeup :) I had been searching for Physician's Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Tinted Moisturizer everywhere. I have really enjoyed using last summer but I think it's hopeless. Do any of you know if it's been discontinued? So based on Tiffany's review on this Sonia Kashuk tinted moisturizer, I decided to give it a try. It retails for $12 so I wouldn't feel that bad if it did not work out for me. But it does! I have now been using it for couple weeks and I love it. It goes on super smooth and gives just the right amount of color and coverage.

Essie Sand Tropez 

 Sand Tropez is a greyish light taupe. Lately all I've been reaching for is Sand Tropez or the other two colors below. Since buying it earlier this month, I've been taking off and reapplying it like I'm on a mission to finish the whole bottle.

China Glaze Re-Fresh Mint

If I was on a deserted island, during summer, and if I was allowed to have only one nail polish with me this would be it. Yeah, that's how much I love it! It's my favorite mint of all the other mints I have!

Orly Rage 

Rage is definitely one of my favorite nail polishes of all time! If you don't have this color, I definitely recommend it. I've had it for a very long time but every time I paint my nails with it, I am more excited than the last time I wore it. It's such a unique, foiled rose gold color.

Too Faced Eye Shadows in Honey Pot & Cocoa Puff

I've been wearing this combo quite a bit lately. For my daily looks, I used to use the more neutral shades like Heaven, Push-up and Erotica. I used to usually associate gold eye shadow with nighttime looks, so for the most part I stayed away from gold for day looks. I think Honey Pot is such a wearable gold for daytime. So I wear it a lot during the day, with Cocoa Puff on crease. Looks amazing on brown eyes :)

Korres Pomegranate Lip Butter

 The sheer color of this Korres lip butter is just perfect for summer. Especially if you're out in the sun a lot during summer but don't want to leave your lips bare, this is a great product! It's weightless and very moisturizing. I wish it had SPF in it though.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color in Pink Please

I talk about Pink Please all the time. This month hasn't been such a lipstick kind of month for me. When I don't know what to wear, I reach of Pink Please. It's the perfect shade of pink, that somehow goes with however I do the rest of my makeup.

MAC Iridescent Powder in Silver Dusk

Silver Dusk is a pale pinky beige multi-purpose iridescent powder with silver particles in it. I have been using it in conjunction with the Sonia Kashuk tinted moisturizer. I think the two go hand in hand together, creating a healthy, glowy look without packing on heavy products on my face! After applying the tinted moisturizer, I just do a quick and light sweep of Silver Dusk on cheekbones ;)

Do share the products you've been reaching for the most in June! :)

MAC Treats

As most of you know, MAC very recently released a new collection called Bloggers' Obsessions. I thought it was amazing of MAC to recognize beauty bloggers and dedicate a whole collection just for them! I'm so happy that some of my favorite bloggers got to work with MAC to create some gorgeous colors! The only down side is that Bloggers' Obsessions is available only in North America.

While all colors in this collection are stunning, I tried to make my selection carefully as I am really trying to slow my spending down. I don't want to buy products just for the sake of buying and let them collect dust. If I love something, I will buy it. So with that said, I picked up Hocus Pocus. It's a beautiful dark brownish gray with gold shimmer and is in satin finish which is my favorite finish. I love using shades like Hocus Pocus, grays, dark browns even during the day so I know I'll be using it a lot!

I tried to think of other eye shadows that are at least in the same color family as Hocus Pocus so I dug deep in my collection and surprise surprise...I have absolutely nothing that even comes close to it! I initially thought perhaps a shade from Sleek Storm or one from the Naked palette but nope. This actually makes me happy :)

Since I was about to place a MAC order, I thought I'd also go ahead and check off a product that's been on my list for way too long. And that was the Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Gotta Dash! I've wanted this gorgeous lipstick since MAC has released them few months ago. It's a muted coral. Not a shocker, most people know I'm obsessed with this color :)

On my swatches above, photos taken with flash are on top and natural light ones are on bottom. I knew Gotta Dash! would be a dupe of something the instant I took it out of its packaging. I think it's so darn similar to MAC's Jazzed lipstick (on right). I have Ever Hip in the middle and when compared to Gotta Dash and Jazzed, it looks like a shade of pink! If you missed out on Jazzed, grab Gotta Dash!, nobody will be able to tell the difference believe me! :)

This is more of an initial reactions kind of post, I will make sure to do an FOTD using these products soon!

Did you get anything from Bloggers' Obsessions collection?

Finished Up / June

So I haven't finished MAC Fix+ like I have planned last month (I did use it almost daily, it just doesn't want to leave me alone!) but I did manage to finish all of these other products, yay!

Tresemme 24 Hour Body Shampoo

I bought this huge bottle when I was looking for a new shampoo to try. Well, lesson learned. Note to self: Never buy this humongous of a container when you wash your hair twice a week and especially if you haven't used the product before. Of course I had no idea that I would end up despising it. Not gonna lie, I fell in the trap of Tresemme's marketing schemes. All the "talk" on their bottle along with the "professional formula" make the product seems like it's the best thing since sliced bread. I will not be repurchasing this shampoo as it really dried up my hair, stripped off natural oils and just left it looking and feeling dull after every wash. Me no likey.

L'oreal Eversleek Sulfate-free Reparative Smoothing Conditioner

I think this is a fantastic drugstore conditioner. It smells delicious, conditions hair and leaves it soft to touch. I have a lot of thick hair and I'm happy to find a product that leaves detangled and smooth! I would repurchase this conditioner. But I just started using the Organix Moroccan Argan oil conditioner because I was in the mood for something new :)

Redken Smooth Down Butter Treat

I've been using the Redken Butter Treat for about 6 years and I truly believe it's a great product. Although pricey for a hair treatment I use only when my hair needs a little pick-me-up, I cannot be without this product. Especially after the dullness I was forced to deal with while using the Tresemme shampoo I mentioned above, Redken butter treat immensely contributed to the revival of my hair. Needless to say I will repurchase.

Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment

This was a small sample of this amazing oil treatment. I included it because it lasted me a really long time! All you need is a tiny bit on your palm for it to make an impact on your hair. I have used it both on wet hair and after I used heat tools on my hair. I love that it really smooths out the fly-aways and any frizz my hair has after styling. It has a great smell. I have found out about the Macadamia hair products last year and I've been hooked since then. I even wrote about them back when I first started blogging. Repurchase for sure!

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy

My bottle is missing the gold crest on the front as I picked it up from TjMaxx, hello discounted perfumes! I love Viva La Juicy's fruity scent. I can definitely pick up vanilla, sandalwood, amber in this perfume. I love that it lasts all day on my skin! I think it's great for both day and night, I just love versatile scents. I will definitely repurchase it again, it's a staple in my perfume collection.

Escada Incredible Me

I picked up Incredible Me at a duty free last year. I think it's more of a night perfume but I used it during the day anyway. I don't think it's as strong as say Calvin Klein Euphoria which is my favorite night time perfume! Incredible Me is sweet and is actually pretty close to Viva la Juicy in terms of notes. Also like Viva la Juicy, it lasts all day and night on my skin. I think it's based off on vanilla, then there is sandalwood, honeysuckle, orchid and I've read it also has clementine! I really did enjoy this perfume but I love to experiment when it comes to perfumes. So I'll venture out and try some different ones!


What products have you finished this month?

MAC Lovelorn

Lovelorn is one of my many 'bought on a whim' purchases. It's kind of sad that I actually, for a couple of weeks, forgot that I even bought this lipstick. Only after recent a purse clean-out, I have remembered it! I guess that day I was just hungry for another pink lipstick, can anybody relate to that? After finding Lovelorn in my purse that day, I thought about returning it. Thanks to those whose swatches came up in my search that day, you definitely convinced me to keep this beaut :)

I learned to stay away from blue toned pink lipsticks the hard way. Oh I have lost count on how many I had to get rid off because I simply couldn't make them work with my skin tone. Lovelorn is a medium blue pink that seems to work with me though. I can finally and proudly say that I am able to wear a pink lipstick with blue undertones :D

I initially thought Lovelorn would be pretty close to the other famous pink MAC lipstick Angel. They are definitely in the same family, I'd say cousins. Lovelorn is a tad darker than Angel. I also think Angel's consistency is way creamier than Lovelorn's. It may be due to the fact that Angel is in Frost finish and Lovelorn is in Lustre finish. In my opinion they are both semi-opaque. I feel like Lovelorn is more of a summer color also, what do you think?

Photo on the left side has Angel on left but on swatches they are switched around, which makes Lovelorn on left and Angel on right.

 If you're looking for an everyday, easy-to-wear pink lipstick, definitely check out Lovelorn. It looks like such a boring color (sorry Lovelorn lovers!) in the tube, but once applied it's love! No wonder I initially wanted to return it, I love it now that I wear it :)

What is your favorite summery pink lipstick?

Most Reached For Makeup Products

Like most people, I also use many different products on a daily basis. But there are some that I just love and reach for a little more than others. Currently these products make up a good chunk of my daily routine. I do obviously rotate my blushes, lipsticks etc but I reach for the products below the most. Some items you will read about in this post have been my go-to products for a long time and there are some that have been recently discovered. 

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural
I use it as my setting powder daily. I do occasionally wear it alone on days I just don't feel like slapping on too many products on my face. Love the matte look it provides.

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer
Chocolate Soleil quickly became my favorite bronzer. I use it everyday and am very happy with it! The color suits my complexion really well. Works great for contouring as well.

Illamasqua Blush in Lover
If you've been reading my blog for a while, then you know I can't stop mentioning Lover every chance I get. It's my favorite blush. If I am indecisive about what blush to wear, I will go with Lover.

Revlon Photo Ready
 I have purchased a few different foundations after trying Photo Ready. But there is something about it that keeps me coming back to it. It works like magic on my skin. Looks amazing in photos, hence its name. Long lasting, nice matte finish.

MAC Studio Finish Concealer
Covers up all my imperfections perfectly. I love to use it especially on random spots that I want vanished.

Shu Uemura Painting Liner in Black
My everyday gel liner. Its a true pitch black color. Lasts all day. No budging or raccoon eyes involved. Applies like a dream.

Too Faced Natural Eye Palette
I use Natural Eye almost daily and usually go to it for neutral night looks as well. It's my favorite palette for  many reasons but especially because no matter what colors I use, I end up loving the look. I can't say that about my other palettes, sorry Naked palette! Even when I don't feel like wearing so much eye makeup on a certain day, I do a quick sweep of Heaven to brighten up my eyes and I'm good to go!

Urban Decay Primer Potion
Makes even the most stubborn, prone to creasing eye shadows stick and stay put all day. For me, it's one of the best inventions in the cosmetics world!

Covergirl Lashblast Mascara
Love it just as much as L'oreal Voluminous because really they produce the exact same results on my lashes. Lashblast is just my go-to mascara right now. Hello long, volumized, fluttery lashes!

YSL Gloss Pur #2
I'm not much a lip gloss wearer at all but when I do wear lip gloss I go straight to this amazing baby pink YSL one that smells like mango. It looks beautiful when applied over nude or pink lipsticks which is what I wear the most.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Pink Please

I have maaaany favorite lipsticks but Pink Please has a special place in my heart. It's such a versatile soft pink color that goes with pretty much any look. Very easily wearable during the day. It's super creamy and leaves lips shiny so no need for gloss. It's always in my make-up bag :)

What are some of your most reached for products?

Summer Blushes

Today I'm sharing with you all some of my favorite blushes that I'm enjoying so far this summer :) I had a difficult time picking, so I picked 9 (I could easily add a few more!) There is no rule that you must wear brighter blushes during summer but they just put me in a really good mood! Just looking at them makes me appreciate this wonderful season! Sun is shining and birds are chirping! Can you tell I love summer? :)

L-R - Swatches

Barry M Apricot
Bright orange/tomato red-ish. Matte.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Tipsy
Peachy-coral. Matte. Review here.

Benefit Coralista
Light pinky/peach. Shimmery.

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Stereo Rose
Light pink/coral. Shimmery.

L-R - Swatches

NARS Torrid
Coral. Shimmery.

NYC Blushable Creme Stick
Pink/coral. Shimmery. Review here.

Illamasqua Lover
Peach. Matte. Review here.

Milani Baked Blush in Rose D'oro
Warm terracotta/golden peach. Shimmery. Review here.

Benefit Bella Bamba
Light pink with golden sheen. Shimmery.

What are your go-to summer blushes?

Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend! ♥

Things I ♥ Now

I'm branching out today and writing about bits and pieces (as in not only makeup) of things that I have collected over the course of a month or so! Hope you enjoy it, I certainly enjoyed putting it together :)

I love...

 Sheer Lipsticks

I've been going back and forth between this gorgeous trio but this next sentence describes my current situation pretty well. "A girl can never have too many sheer lipsticks" Do share your favorite sheer lipsticks!

Top to Bottom: Dior Diorissime, Dior Singuliere, Chanel Evasion

Glittery Nail Polishes

I try to avoid painting each and every nail with glittery polishes at all costs. Because if you have ever used a glitter nail polish then you know what a hassle it is to take them off! So I limit my glitter nail polish consumption to just one nail, usually the ring finger one. My favorite of the three is definitely my newest discovery; Sally Hansen Hard as Nails in Ice Queen. It was only $1.99 at Walgreens and looks amazing over a matte white polish as base. The other two are my oldies but goodies from OPI's Burlesque collection, Extra-va-vaganza! and Sparkle-icious.

Sally Hansen Ice Queen, OPI Extra-va-vaganza!, OPI Sparkle-icious

 

Bath & Body Works Coconut Mango

New season, new scent. My favorite spring scent was Carried Away. I still do show it love every now and then but for now Coconut Mango takes the cake! If you're like me and have a weakness for anything coconut-y then check this out. Both the body wash and lotion have a wonderful and sweet scent which leans a bit more toward coconut in my opinion. Since getting the lotion, I've become a devoted moisturize-er :)

Bath & Body Works Wallflowers

While visiting BBW last weekend, these $2 wallflowers and oils caught my eye. I've been using Glade for as long as I can remember but they just don't smell as strong or last as long as the wallflowers. So I have made the switch and will be purchasing these on a regular basis. I've got the light pink to match the lilac walls of my office :)

Michael Kors White/Rose Gold Chronograph Resin Bracelet Watch 

This is my second Michael Kors watch, you can see my first one here. I can't get enough of MK watches. Without a doubt, they make some of the hottest watches around. I had been wanting a white watch and a rose gold watch so when I spotted this beauty on Nordstrom's website for 40% off (it's still on sale!) I thought why not get one that has a little bit of both? I'm absolutely in love with it, I don't even know where my other watch is :)

Dogeared Always Beautiful Moroccan Rose Gold Dipped Earrings

Groupon has become quite the enabler for me. Few weeks ago I've seen Dogeared Jewelry on Groupon and one click on their link I was in jewelry heaven! They sell some unique pieces and I'm happy that I bought the $25 for $50 Groupon. (Believe me it helped with the grand total!) They are a little on the pricier side but the quality of their work is clearly visible when you hold and wear their products. I love my Moroccan rose gold dipped earrings and wear them almost daily. Rose gold is just so versatile!

Payless Flats

I buy shoes from wherever as long as I love them. I haven't been to Payless for a long time. Recently I was at a strip mall and had to park far away from the store I intended to go to and guess which store happened to be right in front me? It was meant to be, I tell ya! To my surprise they had a BOGO 1/2 off sale! I instantly fell in love with these two pairs, so they came home with me. So happy my long search for nude flats is over, I've wanted a pair for so long!

What do you ♥ now?

Laura Geller Blush-N-Brighten in Honey Dipped

I was one of the luckier people (or at least I'd like to think of myself as such) with June's Birchbox as I have received this beautiful product in it! I had desperately wanted a full size product, but boy was I glad to receive something full size and something I ended up really enjoying.

I have heard of Laura Geller cosmetics before but didn't own anything from this brand prior to receiving this blush. I will definitely be more of a regular now, I am very happy with my first product :)

Honey Dipped is one of the five baked Laura Geller blushes. The packaging is pretty simple; black compact with a window so you can actually see the product inside. There is a mirror inside which is convenient for when you're on the go. The product weighs .32oz/9g and retails for $29.50. On Laura Geller's website, the baked blushes come with a brush and cost a bit more.

 

Depending on your skin tone on shimmer preference, this product can definitely be categorized as a multi-purpose product. Due to the amount of bronze it has, it could be used as a bronzer. However, it is shimmery so some may not like it as a bronzer but rather use it as a blush. I use it as a blush because I prefer my bronzers matte or with minimal shimmer. Sadly the beautiful veining is an over spray but that doesn't make me love it any less.

My swatch on left is a bit heavy as I wanted the color to completey show, I blended out the swatch on the right. Pigmentation is amazing! It gives my face that healthy glow that I usually get after prolonged sun exposure on a sunny vaca spot! I think Honey Dipped  is definitely comparable to MAC Mineralize Skin Finishes in texture. Just like MSFs, it also gets a bit powdery when swirling the brush in it. Surprisingly once applied, it stays put. Since receiving this blush, I've been wearing it almost daily and so far didn't feel the need to touch up once during the day. I'm happy that it lasts all day, I am always on the hunt for long-lasting cosmetics products for hot and humid summer days.

I took a closeup just in case, I personally think you can see the product better on the photo on the left. I like that the shimmer is not overwhelming thus making it easier to wear it during the day :)

Are you familiar with Laura Geller or these Blush-N-Brighten blushes?

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine 48 Évasion

My affair with Évasion started a while back when I first spotted it in a Youtube video. Unfortunately I would have to wait until April 6,2011 to make it mine. When April 6 rolled around, I rushed to the nearest Chanel counter and ta da! Why has it taken me 2 months to blog about it...honestly I don't know!

Évasion is already one of my go-to lipsticks now that the weather is warmer. I just prefer to wear lighter textures on my face in summer so I don't feel like my make-up is melting off of my face throughout the day. I'm glad to have added this perfect little summer lipstick to my collection :)

 If you are not fond of sheer lipsticks and finishes then I don't recommend the Rouge Coco Shines for you. However, for a being a sheer product Evasion has a decent amount of pigmentation. I would describe this shade as light coral with a hint of light pink. It applies very smoothly and has a creamy texture. I love the weightless feeling of this lipstick on my lips. I truly believe sheer lipsticks are great for hot and humid summer days! Compared with Dior Addict lipsticks, I would say Coco Shines leave lips shinier. I also think Coco Shines last a bit longer on lips than Addicts. Do I even need to say anything about the gorgeous gold and black packaging? Ahhhh...

There are two things I am not crazy about; one being its grandma lipstick scent (I love my grandma and most of her lipsticks just smell like this) and the other being its bitter-ish taste. It's not an overpowering scent by any means, it just smells a bit old. They are not a huge deal because I do love the color, but I wanted to point it out as I know there are people out there who just cannot stand the scent I described above. I will definitely be checking out more shades from the Rouge Coco Shine collection, Boy seems gorgeous! :) These lipsticks retail for $32 a pop at various department stores in addition to Chanel's website.

I promise I'm not talking on the phone with my lipstick, I just didn't know what to do with my hand :))

Sheer lipsticks...yay or nay? Do you own this lipstick or any other shades from Rouge Coco Shine?

What's in my *new* makeup bag?

My ex-makeup bag was getting a little too old so I retired it. I always wanted to get something - anything from Vera Bradley! Last Saturday I went to the outlets with couple of my friends and was stoked to see a Vera Bradley outlet there! If you love floral anything like me, then this is your store! It was such a tough choice as they have hundreds of different colors/patterns. I decided to go with the the design called "Mediterranean Blue" because it's just adorable - I love all the colors in it, they remind me of the Mediterranean sea and summer :)

Apart from the pattern and colors, I also love that this little makeup bag is lined so in case of spillage you won't have to worry that your bag is ruined! Its size is also a plus, especially compared to my old makeup bag, this feels like it can take in my entire makeup collection :) I wasn't even able to completely zip up my old one, ok well I am partly to blame for it as I take a bit too much along.

What do I have in my new bag?

Okay maybe I could do without carrying two compacts, but the Dior compact is just too luxurious to leave at home :D Bella Bamba must come with me in case I need touch ups during the day, no it's not always Bella Bamba but lately I've been loving it a lot. Another product I must bring along is my concealer. Spots do appear on my face randomly and I hate to be caught off-guard. Spots aren't end of the world but I like to cover them up if I can! I could do without the body butter as well but I'm attached to this scent and use it on my hands. I also keep hair clip/elastic in all of my purses in addition to my make-up bag because I honestly never know when I may need one. I hate when I am in a situation where I need an elastic and my only option is a rubber band ouch!

 What are your make-up bag must-haves?

Birchbox / June

I was so surprised when my hubby came upstairs with a box in his hand earlier today saying "honey you got this box....bir...I don't know it's pink" hahah I thought, could it possibly be...Birchbox?!?!? I was kind of shocked as I received a shipment notification email just today telling me I should expect my box on or by June 13. Wow, Birchbox you have impressed me quite a bit today! ;)

Here is what's in my box for June (and I am quite happy about them this time, unlike May's!)

Needless to say the highlight of this month's box is the gorgeous, full size Laura Geller blush/bronzer/highlighter in Honey Dipped. I'm happy that I received a full size product this month because I was kind of let down by not getting any last month. Not only is it full size, but it's absolutely stunning and perfect for summer! I'm also really excited about the Pangea Facial Toner as I am currently looking for a new toner, so it's a perfect opportunity to try this out to see how I'll like it. I have tried Pangea before, I love that they make healthier products that don't contain parabens. I've never heard of Amika, but I love trying new hair products so that's great! Twirl by Kate Spade smells amazing!

The samples I'm least excited about are the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads and Pangea Balancing Oil...meh. Towelettes and tanning just don't go together in my book. I'm sure there are people that this works for, but I feel like it'd leave me totally streaky. Pangea Balancing oil is too small to know whether it works or not, that's the reason I am not totally excited about it. Then again it's just the bonus sample ;)

Overall, I am happy about my samples this month. I hope everyone that's subscribed to Birchbox enjoys their box this month :)

If you're subscribed to Birchbox what did you receive this month? If not, do any of these products appeal to you or have you tried them before?

May Favorites

....aaaand it's that time of the month again, favorites time! Happy June!! May has been a nail polish kind of month for me. I used to change my nail polish every other day but I haven't been able to keep up with it as I'd like this year! Painting nails looks like an easy job but if you think of it, everything combined, it is time-consuming. This month, I went back to my old self and have been loving up these polishes :)

L-R: Essie Brazilliant, China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy, Sephora by O.P.I Go With the Flow-er

If I could pick just one nail polish of the three, I would definitely have to choose China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy! I am just obsessed with the almost blindingly bright pink neon color of this nail polish, in fact I can't stop looking at my hands, they are just so out there and I love it :) Go With the Flow-er is also a gorgeous color, it is shimmery and I get a lot of compliments wearing it. It also stains nails big time, even more than Braziliant!

Apart from nail polishes...

MAC Phloof!

I've been really into using Phloof! on the inner corners of my eyes, it looks good even if the rest of my eyelids are bare. It really opens up eyes and makes them look pretty :)

Benefit Bella Bamba

There is just something about this blush that keeps me coming back! It looks so gorgeous on and gives a nice little sheen on cheeks along with a pretty pink color. It's been my go-to blush in May, love the youthful look it provides and its scent is just yummy.

Dior Addict Lipstick in Singuliere

If you've seen my Singuliere post, then you'd have already figured out this stunner would be in my May favorites. It really deserves to be in all of my monthly favorites posts! :D

The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter

I love coconut anything and there is no exception when it comes to body products either. I used to be a die hard TBS body butter fan many years ago. Then we parted ways and I haven't used one of these for many years, I mean like 5 years. The Sephora & TBS coalition is what made me give these body butters another chance. The coconut one in particular is just as amazing as ever. I love the scent, and how the butter just melts into my skin. Its soft texture makes skin velvety and soft, it's love...again!

LaVanila The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Coconut

Okay so maybe this isn't really a beauty product but I did purchase this at Sephora, the beauty authority, so here it is in my post :) I am happy to announce my quest for finding a healthy deodorant is officially over. I have tried countless healthy deodorants, including most sold at WholeFoods. I've heard of the LaVanila brand before but never tried any of their products. What captured my attention about their deodorants was the fact that they are really healthy! They are made of all natural ingredients and are free of harsh chemicals such as petrochemicals, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oils, silicone, synthetic dyes, sulfates or parabens. These deodorants are a pricier than your regular drugstore deodorants at $18/stick but they don't contain crazy chemicals or ingredients like aluminum (sounds freaky!) Vanilla Coconut scent definitely has my name written on it!

Sun Laboratories Dark Tanning Lotion
This is my first self-tanning lotion ever. It took me a good while to have the courage to put this on myself, seriously. I was so afraid of turning orange or some weird color! Well, thankfully with this amazing lotion there is absolutely nothing to worry about! It has a rich brown (and scary) color and you do have to be quick with it so you spare yourself some unwanted spots! I'm sure that's the case with most, if not all, self-tanners. The key is to be quick. Once dried, I get a beautiful, healthy and very natural looking tan. The thing with self-tanners is that you need to be consistent with application to keep your tan. Well, I'll take self-tanners over tanning beds any day! I love that Sun labs uses no parabens in their products! FYI: I have spotted these tanning lotions many times at TjMaxx and it's where I got my bottle for about $16 ;)

What have you guys been loving in May?