Monthly Favorites | May & June

I know I'm really late on this post, so I'll make it quick. This is just a generalized round up of products I've used through May and June, so I did condense it a bit. It's already almost August, so I wanted to get this out of the way!

Missha Super Aqua Perfect Water Deep Cleanser: This has been the number one thing that I've been using to take off my makeup at night. I have a feeling this is going to last me a long time because I've been using this for a couple months now. 

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid: I use this after my toner in the morning and it has salicylic acid in it. I just pop a little on a cotton pad and it isn't drying. I prefer chemical exfoliation and this is great and quick.

Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum: This is my favorite thing ever and my favorite from the Paula's Choice line so far. I use this in the morning and at night and it doesn't make my skin feel too oily. This has definitely been replacing my Missha Time Revolution Ampoule at night and my It's Skin serum in the morning.

Paula's Choice Resist Super Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30: When I was running out of my Neutrogena sunscreen, I wanted to try something new. At first, I didn't like this one because it has a tint to it. Now that I've gotten used to it, I really like that there is a tint. I can use this by itself on a day off and not feel completely naked faced or it can be used as a primer under makeup since it does dry down a bit. 

Boots No7 Stay Perfect Primer: This was pretty much the only primer I used in May and June. I really like this one and I can blend it in a little better with my beautyblender before applying makeup.

BRTC Jasmine Water BB Cream: I really like this BB Cream in the summer because it's nice and light and I don't have to mix anything in to get a good color or coverage. It's something I want to use up also because I've been hanging onto this for over a year. I think it's the only BRTC BB that matches me.

The Saem Cover Perfection Tip Concealer: I had been using a concealer stick for so long that I forgot how much I liked liquid concealers. This had been on of my favorites a long time ago when I first bought it, but it wasn't bright enough for under my eyes. It actually matches my skin perfectly and it works really well with the BRTC BB Cream.

Benefit High Beam: When I was going bare minimum while we were moving, I would do BB Cream and just add a little of this liquid highlighter on my cheek bones and brow bones. This was easy enough to just dab on with the little brush and blend in with my finger or beautyblender instead of toting a powder and a brush with me.

YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara: I got this in an Influenster Vox Box because no way would I ever pay $32 for a mascara! I really like it, but that is just way too much to be paying for a mascara. I think $20 is probably the absolute maximum I would be willing to spend. I do really like everything about this mascara though. It even smells nice and the packaging is beyond luxurious. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Auburn: This has been my standby brow product since I purchased it. The color is more natural that I was going for before, but I like that it works with my hair and skin tone. It's pretty easy to work with and there is a lot of product in this little jar. I'm a fan.

Marc Jacobs O!Mega Bronze in Tantric: I really like this bronzer for all over bronzing. The color is perfect for my skin and it blends out so nicely. I'm glad I finally sprung for this powder because I wasn't going to buy it due to how expensive Marc Jacobs cosmetics are.

Marc Jacobs #InstaMarc Light Filtering Contour Powder in Dream Filter 20: This is one of those products that I worry about using up because I love it so much and it was so expensive. I love the highlight color to set my under eye concealer and I use it to carve out my contour if I over blend. The contour powder is my perfect shade and it blends so nicely with my NARS Ita brush. It's perfect. I just wish I felt better traveling with it because I worry about something like this breaking my makeup bag. 

MAC Solar Riche: If I wasn't at home and wanted to bronze up a bit, I would use Solar Riche. I used to think this color didn't suit me before I really knew how to use bronzer, but this blends out really nicely. It isn't my favorite MAC bronzer, but I wanted to try something new and I'm a fan.

Sephora Bronzer Powder in Anguilla: I've been loving this for a simple, more natural contour when I don't want to go too dark. Although I really love the Marc Jacobs powder, it tends to look more dramatic. If I'm short on time, I use this to do a light contour because there's a lot of room for error. I don't need to blend it much at all because it's a lighter color.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat: I really like this for a glowy cheek look. This is something I used when I was in a hurry and didn't have time to blend out a more pigmented blush in case I went heavy handed. I think I would definitely try different colors from the line, but they are pricey.

MAC Mighty Aphrodite: I've always loved this blush. I think it was one of the first that I purchased from a MAC limited edition collection, which was Wonder Woman in 2011. I always end up going back to this blush when I don't know what to wear because its just so easy. Definitely an all time favorite.

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Lilac Rose: As far as highlighting goes, I use the opalescent strip. It's beautiful mixed with just a touch of the surrounding pinks. I keep thinking that I'll use the other colors as a blush, but I don't. When I swirl my brush lightly in the whole pan, I get a more subtle pink highlight color.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade: This has been a standby highlight ever since I bought it. I love remembering when I got something because then I know how long I've loved it. I got this in my old apartment almost two years ago. This is the original release of this highlight that runs more pink than the beige of the second, third, and permanent releases. When I want something that is just simple and pearlescent, I go for this highlighter.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone: This is a fairly new addition to my collection, so of course I had to use it a bunch after getting it. I've found that I like this more than theBalm's Mary LouManizer because it isn't quite as heavy. I'm really glad I got this on sale though, because $38 is pretty hefty for a highlighter.

Burberry Britt Sheer: This has been a nice citrusy mist for the beginning of summer. As you can see, I've made a pretty decent dent in this fragrance. I really love how simple this is for warmer weather. It isn't too heavy in the warm weather, so I don't know how it will be when it gets colder. I can't imagine this will be my go-to in the winter.

Escada Born In Paradise: This may be my top favorite out of everything right now. It's a perfect summery mix of pineapple and coconut without smelling like I bathed in a Piña Colada. I really like my other Escada, which is Moon Sparkle, but now I want other more recent Escada releases because of this one. I feel like they will all be pretty similar though and there are a few other perfumes I want before adding on other sweet ones at the end of the summer.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Sunshine: I was torn between getting this perfume, two other limited edition versions, and the original. I ended up smelling the original and not liking it enough to wear. Then I couldn't find a good enough deal on the other one that I wanted, which was Daisy Eau So Fresh Delight. I found this on eBay for a good price for a discontinued limited edition without the box. I love the scent and I love the bottle. This is going to be one of those scents that I wear in the day during spring and summer and worry about using up.

Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia: This was my first Gucci perfume and I'm really happy with it. There were a lot of choices in the Gucci Flora line, but I finally decided on this one because I liked the notes and got a sample. I love the beautiful simplicity of the bottle and scent is so nice and light, but sweet at the same time. I feel like I have a lot of spring/summer floral fruity perfumes, but that's what I like. 

Vera Wang Princess: This is actually one of the perfumes in my collection that I can definitely wear in the winter. Princess has always been a favorite of mine, even if it is considered an immature scent. I still really like it and regardless of how sweet is smells, I still get compliments on it at work. I know when certain people at work like how I smell that I've found a good bottle.

Bath & Body Works Sweet Magnolia & Clementine Fine Fragrance Mist: I generally only choose body mists over perfume for when I want to smell nice but don't want to waste expensive perfume. I pop one of these in my gym bag or spray my work clothes so that I don't smell like old food all the time. This is a newer purchase, but I did have a scrub in this scent that I really liked in my past empties.

Bath & Body Works White Citrus Fragrance Mist: This is a nice refreshing scent that I had been using in my gym bag before buying the larger sizes. I really love how sharp and citrus this one is and I may eventually get the larger size, but last time I did that I got sick of the scent soon after.

Bath & Body Works Kauai Lei Flower Aloe Gel Lotion: I love this size for my purse, apron, and behind the bar. This is my favorite scent from the Hawaii line and I even have a backup for this little lotion that I may need crack into. I don't believe the aloe gel formula will be moisturizing enough to use alone in the winter, but I think I'll still prefer this size.

Bath & Body Works Maui Mango Surf Crushed Coconut Body Scrub: I prefer this formulation of scrub to the other one that I had. This lasts a little longer and the granules scrub better than the beads from the other one. I'm glad I decided to get all the Hawaii scents in this scrub when they were buy 3 get 3 free and I'll have plenty of scrubs to get me through the summer and probably the fall until the winter scents come out.

Sephora and Beauty.com Haul

Most of this stuff I bought before I moved and I've already included a couple in my May and June favorites, which I've yet to post. I'm just trying to catch up on things since moving and it wasn't happening. I'm going to try posting more, but no promises as I feel like I'm running out of things to talk about other than empties. I should actually probably do a project pan because there are quite a few things I'm trying to work through and finish up, mainly because of expiration dates. 

I'm going to breeze through this post in a "hey look what I bought!" manner.

Paula's Choice Skincare: I'm going to go through a skincare routine post soon since I've overhauled my skincare. I've had to replace most of my Korean products with American products because I really can't get a ridiculous amount of packages at this address. 

Since I'm a huge advocate of good toners and not ones that strip the skin, I stocked up on repairing toners. I really like all three of these and I would probably continue to repurchase them all. 

I also bought the 2% BHA for morning exfoliation and the 8% AHA for evening exfoliation. 

Paula's Choice Skincare: I also am replacing my retinols with Paula's Choice. I have this first one to use at night and the pink squeeze tube for every day. This is actually what will replace my Missha night ampoule. 

I also have the 10% AHA that I rotate with the 8% AHA so my skin doesn't get too irritated. 

I use two different Paula's Choice suncreens, one with a tint and one without. The tinted one dries down to more of a matte finish and I prefer that one when I don't have a lot of time to get ready and need to put on foundation immediately or when I don't want to wear makeup to leave the house for a bit.

Estée Lauder Bronzed Goddess: Holy hell this bronzer is huge. I really like it and I had this in my April favorites which just tells you how long I've had this stuff ready for a post.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone: This is a super pigmented highlighter that I absolutely love. I got this on sale or I wouldn't have paid $38 for it, but I love it.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat: Also something else from April favorites. This is such a nice highlighting blush.

Marc Jacobs! I'm not going into a lot of detail because I want to eventually do a post for these, but I bought these two lemmings due the Sephora sale. The top is the Instamarc contour and highlight compact. It's my favorite thing ever. I love setting my undereyes with the first powder and the contour powder is the perfect color.

The bottom one is the Tantric O!Mega Bronzer. This is also a great color, but I reach for this less because I tend to contour with the top compact.

Sephora Bronzers: I tossed these in my cart just because. I don't really like the top one, but I've used it for all over bronzing. The bottom one I thought was too light, but since it's matte, I've used it as a contour powder.

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks in Beige and Lilac Rose: I cheated a little. I picked up Beige at Nordstrom Lilac Rose at the CCO, but I'm lumping these into the haul because I bought them at the same time. I love my Copper Diamond Shimmer Brick so much that I knew I needed more. I got a 20% discount on the Beige Shimmer Brick and the Lilac Rose one was a limited edition and I got a good deal from the CCO so I needed it. I'll use the top two strips in the Beige one or mix all the colors together, but to highlight with the Lilac Rose one, I tend to stay around the second strip.

Boots No7 Stay Perfect Primer and Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer: These were both on sale, so I figured I'd give them a go. At the time, I was running out of my MAC primer and the Smashbox primer was too drying for me, so I needed a backup plan. Both of these are good, but I don't think they'll bring me into the winter. I was really excited for the Hourglass primer, but I don't love it the way I thought I would. Good thing I didn't spring for the huge expensive size!

One last quick thing I forgot! I finally bought an Anastasia Dipbrow! This matches my hair better than my MAC brow gel creme, and I got it on sale. This has been my only brow product since purchasing it. I only wish the Auburn shade was a little redder, but it still matches better than the Blonde one from MAC.

Empties #6 | Products I've Used Up + Mini Review

Lots of big empties! I know I have three hand sanitizers that I used up recently, but I think they got lost in my move. I did pack up these empty things so I could take pictures and then throw everything away. I am on a mission to use up a bunch of products, so I'm sure I'll start doing a project pan style clean out.

I also feel like I'm sick of talking about empties so I'm going to attempt to make this short and sweet.

Bath & Body Works Sweet Magnolia & Clementine Shea & Fruit Body Scrub: I tend to use scrubs in the shower more often than soap or regular body wash. As I showed in my haul, I bought a ton of scrubs. I really like spring and summer scents, so I tend to hoard those so I can use them in the winter. I think I prefer the crushed coconut body scrubs that I'm using right now, but this was nice. I'm not sure if the beads are the kind that never break down though. Would I repurchase? I wish they made a candle in this scent. I'm thinking of getting this scent in the lotion during the next sale though.

Bath & Body Works Forever Sunshine Triple Moisture Body Lotion: I used this up pretty quickly because I try to use lotion when I get out of the shower. I liked the scent and I like how quickly Bath & Body Works lotions absorb because then I don't feel wet or sticky after putting on lotion. Would I repurchase? Not in this scent. There's a few different ones I want to buy instead.

Skinfood Milk Shake Point Eye Makeup Remover: When I stopped using the Missha cleansing oil that took off all my makeup, I needed to use a separate remover. I really like this one. It didn't sting my eyes and got everything off. Would I repurchase? Not anytime soon. I really like this, but it's something I generally have to order from Korea and I'm using a Missha cleansing water that does remove my mascara.

Secret Key Snail+EGF Repairing Toner: I don't think I've ever talked about this toner before because there was never a lot left in this bottle. This is one of my favorite Korean toners and I was sad that it was almost gone, so I never used it again. I was on a mission to finish up some products and this only had a few more uses in it, so I sadly killed it. Would I repurchase? Someday. I still want to use up a bunch of things and I have to order this from Korea.

Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture with SPF 35: I used this every day for almost a year. I'm surprised this moisturizer lasted so long. It's nothing special, just a moisturizer with SPF. I liked it, but I'm not sure I would want to go through another one. Would I repurchase? I get bored using the same things all the time, which is why I have a million things. I have a Paula's Choice SPF moisturizer that I'm currently using and I don't think I need another.

Etude House AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser: This was one of my favorite cleansers that I kept with only a handful of uses in the bottle. This only took about a week or so to finish up. I really liked using this again. Would I repurchase? Definitely! But after I use up some other cleansers. I think I have ten or so to finish.

Philosophy Purity: I hated this. I know this cleanser gets rave reviews online, but it isn't pure and it smells. I'm so glad I didn't purchase the large size of this cleanser when I bought the baby bottle on sale. I ended up using the rest of it to wash my brushes and it didn't even work that well for that. Would I repurchase? Absolutely never.

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule: This lasted a crazy long time. I bought this in November during one of the Black Friday sales. I didn't think my other ones lasted quite as long, but I won't complain. This isn't exactly a cheap item. Thankfully I had a backup that I finally cracked into or I would need to reorder. Would I repurchase? Definitely, but I'll wait until the next 30% or 40% off sale.

Cocoa Pink Junkett Creme Conditioner in Caramel Popcorn Balls: This took forever to finish, which isn't a bad thing. The conditioner I'm currently using will probably take less time because my hair is longer now. I was using this conditioner when my hair was a lot shorter. Would I repurchase? I'm beyond sick of this scent now, which is great because I have a lotion in this scent. I also recently purchased two more of the Junkett in different scents, so I won't need to buy any in a long time.

Mizon Returning Starfish Cream: I loved this cream. It was my holy grail moisturizer this winter because my skin was so dry. I loved being able to slather this all over my face before going to bed. I used to apply a sleeping pack, which is a Korean style night moisturizer, but I didn't need to use any this winter. Would I repurchase? Definitely, but not until the cold weather because I don't need that much moisture now that it is so hot out.

I'm going to be super brief with my sample packets except for a few. 

Holika Holika Pig Nose Clear Black Head Strips: It's a blackhead strip. You wet it, it dries, it rips crap out of your nose. Great. Would I repurchase? Nope. I have plenty of these and others.

Holika Holika Aqua Fantasy Cream: I really love this, but the full jar is pricey, so I bought like 25 samples. I was using this on a daily basis and then we moved. I had more than three packets, but I don't know where those went. Would I repurchase? Nah. I have other things I use, and the jar is expensive. I don't want a ton of samples hanging around anymore.

Sephora Age Defy Under Eye Cream: This was nice. Then I forgot the packet was open and it completely dried out. Would I repurchase? If it were on sale and I was looking for an eye cream, maybe.

Laura Geller Spackle Bronze Tinted Primer: I didn't really care for this. It was okay. Would I repurchase? I would probably never buy a full size of this and I have plenty of other primers.

Nesura Deep Pore Charcoal Nose Strip: I actually liked this one. The only downside is that the strip is black and sometimes leaves black gunk around my nose after I peel it off. Would I repurchase? I have plenty of nose strips. 

Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Moisture Cream: This was really thick and nice, but it had a weird added fragrance smell. I don't think this is something I would want on my face all the time. Would I repurchase? Nope, but I'd use another sample.

Innisfree Apple Juicy Liquid Foaming Cleanser: I have a ton of cleanser samples, but I never use them because I have so many full size cleansers to work through. I had to stay overnight at Shaun's sister's apartment with him and didn't want to drag a full bottle with me, so this was good for two face washes. I like the smell of the Apple Juicy line, since I have a cleansing cream as well, so this was really nice. Would I repurchase? This is one that I would consider after I use up a bunch of other cleansers. 

L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara: I talked about this in a recent favorites post. I really liked this mascara, mainly for the brush. It's possible that this is my favorite drugstore mascara. Would I repurchase? I have a lot of samples left to use up, but I will definitely be buying another one of these. There's also another version I might want to try too.

Shiseido Facial Cotton: I love these. I didn't think it was possible to love cotton squares, but these are fantastic. The ones I used to buy from the drugstore would pill up and leave cotton particles all over my face while toning or using something like a liquid exfoliater These cotton squares are perfect and end up costing less than the drugstore ones. I think there's 165 in a package for $10 and I usually buy a 30 or 60 pack of drugstore ones for $3 or so. Would I repurchase? Ha. That's a trick question. I'm currently into a new bag of cotton and then have another backup. I can get these at Sephora or online at Nordstrom where they're on sale from time to time.

Bath & Body Works Candles in Oceanside, Mango Dragon Fruit, Caribbean Escape, Love and Sunshine, Watermelon Lemonade, and Cherry Blossom Sangria: Bath & Body Works are the only candles I burn because they smell so good. The trick is to buy them when they're 2 for $24 or 50% off. I would never buy one of these candles for $23 a piece. That's too expensive. I tend to rotate them so that they all burn up at the same time. Would I repurchase? I currently have 8 candles that I'm working through right now, but it's time for the Semi-Annual sale where most of them are between $11 and $12 each, so I'll definitely be a buying a few more before the sale ends.

April Monthly Favorites

I feel like the month of April was so long that I can't remember everything that I liked. There was just so much crap that I used in the beginning of the month and I don't know where March ended and April started. I've either used these things for most or all of the month or closer to the end of the month because it was so long. I also feel like I had a lot of no makeup or minimal makeup days, so that isn't helping. 

I've been in a pretty consistent skincare routine, so I'm getting bored of posting the exact same things that I use every day in every week or every month. That means maybe I'll post a skincare routine and maybe a daily makeup routine or something. I don't know if that would be interesting at all.

Shisheido Perfect Whip Foam: This has been my cleanser of choice lately, even though I've been trying to use up some others. Recently I decided to push this into the back of my cabinet because I really do need to use up things. I really like how thick this cleanser is and I prefer to use this with my Clarisonic because it's harder to lather up with my hands.

Lioele Multi Seaweed Gel: I had a sample of this eons ago and after I chose to purchase a full size, I stopped using it. So it sat in a box for a few months until I rediscovered it a little over a month ago. I've slowly started replacing my Clinique gel cream with this in the mornings. I'm actually finding that I prefer this over the Clinique one and this was only about $12 and there's a lot more product in the tub. This absorbs into my skin much quicker and I feel like it will be a summer favorite.

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule: Yes. This again. It's my favorite ever. Blah blah blah. What else can I say about it other than this one is almost gone?

MAC Prep+Prime Skin Base Visage: I've honestly continued to use this because there isn't another primer that I can even reach for right now. Everything else is still sucking the moisture out of my skin, but this is just a standard. I'm actually surprised that I haven't run out of this yet. In a couple weeks, I'm sure I'll need to use an oil control primer and I don't want to have to save this for next year because I'm sure the expiration is coming up.

Skin79 Super+ Triple Functions BB Cream in Green: I've been favoring this one over VIP Gold because I've been using other foundations this month. Mainly this has been an under eye concealer and brightener because it's on the lighter side. Now that the weather is warming up, I've been using slightly darker bronzers and don't need my foundation to be so light.

Illamasqua Skin Base in 02: This is not something I can use on its own. The foundation itself is too thick for my skin and I prefer to mix it into my MAC Face and Body when I want a little more coverage. I also have this in a darker color that I'll probably end up using in a month or so.

MAC Face and Body Foundation in N1: Yup. This one is back. We had a enough warmer days that I could wear this foundation, but then it got cold again. I really love this foundation, so I had to toss this in the post. I can't wait to wear this foundation on a regular basis, but I may have discovered that VIP Gold from Skin79 is perfect of its own for a light makeup day. 

It's Skin Under Eye Brightener: When I needed a little under eye pick me up, this is what I used. I've been using this instead of my Maybelline one and I think I actually prefer it. I think I say that every time I switch up products though. Maybe it's just because this blends a little better into my foundation because of the texture.

MAC Sideshow You: This blush was from the Simpson's Collection and it was the only other thing I purchased from it. I was really feeling this blush color and out of the three blushes, this is the one I wore the most. I definitely wore more blushes than these three, but Sideshow You overshadowed most of them.

Tarina Tarantino Feathers: When I wanted just a light pop of color with a bronzed look, this is the color I would go for. The color is nicer on my face than it is in the pan and it blended in nicely with my bronzer.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat: This was a new item for me and I'll probably do a collective haul at some point. I really like this blush, but I've only been using it for the past maybe week and a half. I received this before my Sephora items, so I felt fine including this if I didn't include the Sephora stuff.

NARS Laguna: I have to say that by the time the end of the month hit, I had stopped using this bronzer in favor of Estée Lauder. I really like this bronzer, but now I think I have a couple that top it. I love that it is included in every one of my NARS blush palettes just so I don't necessarily need to pack an additional bronzer. It blends out so nicely and it isn't orange, so I can use it with my Ita brush and contour.

Estée Lauder Amber Bronzer Sienna Earth Powder: I really needed to start using this powder because I had neglected it for a long time. Although it leans a little orange when the color is blended together, it looked nice on my skin. The packaging is also really sturdy, so this is a bronzer I wouldn't mind traveling with.

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess 01 Light: This is seriously a huge bronzer. I really like the color of this powder and the shimmer isn't overpowering. I was glad to know that I wasn't getting a matte bronzer when I ordered this online. I know I have too many bronzers, but I really love this one even though I only used it during the last bits of April.

NARS Miss Liberty Highlighting Blush: This is basically a glitter highlight. The base adds just a slight touch of champagne color, but it is packed with multicolor shimmer particles that obviously don't show up in the photo of the pan. I rocked this for the beginning of the month until I bought the newest highlighter in my collection, which sadly isn't the newest when I'm writing this.

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Beige: I wasn't going to buy this, but Nordstrom had Bobbi Brown on sale for 20% off, so that was good enough for me. I probably wouldn't buy a shimmer brick for full price, but 20% off is great. I love this highlighter. I might have to compare it to my other highlighters because I feel like I go for the same colors. I use the top two colors the most, but when you swirl them all together, it gives such a beige golden glow. It's the perfect companion to bronzer. One of the girls I work with told me that my highlight was like "Wah-bam," so at least someone agrees with me.

Darac Beauty Sifted Blur Complexion Perfector: I use this powder to set my under eyes and my entire face. You can tell that I've plowed through the powder when you compare the photo to last month's favorites. I'm trying to not use so much powder, so I may try to cool it with this one. There's another powder that will definitely be in my favorites next month that I've moved on to for setting my under eyes.

I also need to do a Bath & Body Works haul, but there's just so much stuff that I need to photograph because I spent an absolute ton of money. I know I didn't even need half of the things I bought, but the Forever Sunshine lotion in the picture is already almost gone. For real. I'm trying to consistently use lotion after showering because the weather is getting nicer and I don't want dry skin if I can wear short sleeves. 

I've been loving Beautiful Day and Love & Sunshine body mists. I keep one in the bathroom for reasons and one in my gym bag so I don't smell like socks after working out. I like the little body mists because I can carry them around and not worry about a bottle breaking. I also like that they're cheap and the scent isn't too strong. The last thing I want is to smell like Versace when I'm dead lifting with a bunch of guys. That's not exactly the image I'm going for. 

I also bought a bunch of hand sanitizers, mainly to keep in my apron pocket at work for after I handle money or for a quick fix after wiping down tables. I also keep one in my bathroom so that my hands are always clean while I'm doing my makeup or skincare. I do bring my phone in the bathroom with me, so I want to make sure my hands aren't germy because I definitely touch my phone and don't want to immediately touch my face. Honolulu Sun is the one I keep with me at work and it smells like a Piña Colada. It's almost gone!

I've also been keeping a small lotion in my apron pocket because serving dries my hands out. I've always meant to keep lotion on me, but I don't have a ton of smaller ones that absorb quickly. I have five different scents in the Aloe Gel Lotion, but Kauai is my favorite and I even bought a backup because I feel like I'm going to finish that off quick.

Vera Wang Preppy Princess: I wore this mostly in the beginning of the month when it was still chilly out. I kind of feel like the scent is a little too strong for warmer weather, so I started wearing other scents. I do like this perfume a lot, but I'll probably get even more use from it during the fall and winter. 

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Sunshine: I definitely prefer this limited edition release of Daisy Eau So Fresh to the original. It's a little less floral and a little more fruity, which is my preference. The only fault I find in the perfume is that it doesn't last long at all. This is definitely one I have to carry around with me, although I've been really bad about that lately because I need to fill all my atomizers and that takes time. I love everything else about this perfume though and the bottle is so pretty.

Escada Born in Paradise: I can just tell that this isn't the last time this scent will be in a favorites post. I can pretty much guarantee that this will be in at least one more post because this perfume is the perfect summer scent. It smells like coconut and it actually lasts a pretty decent amount of time on my skin. I like that it sort of matches my trend of island scented lotions so it makes it easier to pair other things.

Versace Bright Crystal Absolu: Still my most used and most loved perfume, and not just by me. The picture isn't a very good indicator, but I've used quite a bit of this perfume. There's a guy I work with that associates me with expensive perfume, this one being the one he likes on me best, and calls me Gucci Girl even though I've told him this is actually Versace. I did just finally buy a Gucci perfume though, so I guess I don't need to correct him anymore.

Show and Tell | Makeup Brushes

This is not my entire collection of makeup brushes, but these are the brushes I keep where I do my makeup and I rotate between most of them. Some of these brushes I use every day and others I use only when I need them.

My beautyblender is what I use to apply my foundation and setting powder, so I'm going to consider these like a brush. I haven't used a brush to apply foundation in about a year and I don't think I'm going back.

My NARS Ita brush is one of those brushes that doesn't get used often. Sometimes I wonder if it was a mistake to purchase this brush, but I do use it when I feel like contouring. The only problem is that I don't have a specific contour powder that I like on myself, so I end up just bronzing instead.

The MAC 109 was a brush that I never used after buying it because I didn't like it. I bought it in conjunction with something else, so I was mad that I didn't care for it. Then, I decided I was going to use it for highlighter since it was a good size. After a bit, I found a better brush to highlight with and it fell to the wayside again. Something made me pick it up to use with bronzer instead of contour and I've been using it every day since.

This angled brush is what I use for a more contoured look with bronzer. Lately I've been favoring my 109 for any type of bronzing, so I haven't been using this as much. I think I may try applying blush with it because I see that on youtube.

I used to just apply powder with my Real Techniques Large Powder brush, but lately I've been using it to blend out my blush and bronzer. The shape really allows everything to be blended out nicely.

The Sigma f30 Large Powder used to be when I used for blended out, so I decided it deserved to be mentioned. I haven't reached for this lately, mainly because sometimes it sheds little black hairs on my face that I are difficult to get off. 

I only use the Bobbi Brown Face Blender brush when I my blush or bronzer is way too heavy handed or dark and I need to blend it out without my entire face looking streaky. This is a denser brush than The Sigma or Real Techniques, which is better for blending away than diffusing the color. 

I have two Sigma f50 stippling brushes, which are both used for blush. There's really no rhyme or reason as to which one is used, although I tend to use the black handled one in my NARS palette because the brush is a little smaller and works better in those pans. 

I use my Real Techniques setting brush to highlight and I prefer to use it that way than setting my undereye concealer. I find that the brush even diffuses Mary Lou-Manizer, which is my heaviest highlighter. 

February Monthly Favorites

I wasn't prepared to do this post, obviously. I threw away one of my favorite products because it was empty and completely forgot to include one of the blushes I wore all month. Oh well. It's not super important. The world won't end because I don't want to take more pictures of my things. Besides, I feel like most of these things are repeats anyway. 

Missha Pomegranate Fermented Cleansing Foam: I bought this during the Missha Thanksgiving sale, but I tried to use up the chocolate cleansing foam first. I went back and forth with those these month and I really liked this cleanser.

Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner: This is my holy grail toner. My only problem is that sometimes it is difficult to get at a good price on eBay and the shipping takes a few weeks. I usually have to order something else with this in order to get a good deal, which is what I ended up doing this time around. This toner has been absent from my skincare because I've been trying out other ones, but I always go back to this one.

Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence: Another one of my favorite Benton products. Benton makes really nice skincare with great active ingredients that usually aren't found in American products. I use this after my daytime ampoule for a little added moisture. I really like this in the summer because it's nice and lightweight.

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule: I feel like this has been a staple in my favorites posts. This is my holy grail ampoule and night treatment and I will always repurchase and currently have a backup ready to go just in case I run out.

It's Skin Power 10 VC Effector: I love this stuff, but I feel like every time I post about it that my bottle is almost empty. I've gone through almost two of them and I just ordered another and two different varieties from the same line. My bottles don't last as long as the Missha Time Revolution and sometimes I don't even use this every day.

Mizon Returning Starfish Cream: This is a new item that I haven't posted about before. I bought this to replace my Tony Moly cream that I had been raving about. This cream is nice and thick, but feels like a gel when you rub it in. I really like the texture and my skin hasn't been flaky since I started using this on a nightly basis. 

Skin79 Super Plus BB Creams in Green and VIP Gold: I've been using these two BB Creams again all month. I'm actually starting to get worried that I'm going to run out soon. I hate that you can't tell how much is left, but compared to another one from this brand that I don't use as often, they're starting to feel lighter. I might start mixing these with something else.

MAC Skin Base Visage: I've really been enjoying this lately, but I think there's another primer that I want to start using instead. I just dug through some makeup that I forgot existed, so I might try to rotate some things. I noticed that this makes my foundation or BB cream pill up a bit if I don't let my moisturizer set under the primer or even let the primer set. It does work pretty well though, and I think it's almost gone.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser: I've been going back and forth with this concealer, but it's my favorite. I haven't included this in a favorites post for a couple months because I've been trying new things, but I keep going back to this because it blends perfectly.

Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer: This is one of the other concealers I've been going back and forth over. It really depends on how long it takes to do my makeup. If I have time to really let my moisturizer set in and then apply primer and foundation and then let that dry down, then I'll use this. I actually prefer the coverage and color of this concealer to the Maybelline, but that one is lower maintenance and it blends better. This is just so creamy that sometimes and blends away my foundation and I'm left with a ring of blotchy concealer around my eye area and it looks bad. 

beautyblender Sponge: I've been loving my beauty blenders even more now that I've been setting my makeup with them. I've always dipped the point into powder and set my under eye area, but lately I've been dabbing my entire face with a beauty blender covered in powder. I found that sometimes I didn't hit all the areas I needed to set with a brush and that my foundation would do this weird peeling thing if I half assed it with my setting powder.

For these, I'll be going clockwise starting at 12 o'clock and ending in the center.

theBalm Mary Lou-Manizer: I can't stop with the golden highlights. I feel like I'm really going to be using this one and the Bobbi Brown one all summer too. Sometimes this can be a little heavy if I use the wrong brush, but this highlighter looks so good with a light hand.

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Copper Diamond: I've been using this nonstop since I purchased this around the holidays. I'm so glad I love this as much as I do because it was definitely a pretty penny. I love this highlighter so much and I really hope that Bobbi Brown releases other nice ones so I can add another one to my lineup.

MAC Adored Mineralize Skinfinish: When I wasn't feeling a golden highlight, I would spring for this powder. This skinfinish gives a opalescent pink glow and I really liked using it in conjunction with Pink Sprinkles, which is the pink MAC blush included in this picture.

MAC Extra Dimension Bronzer in Aphrodite's Shell: I think I've used this pretty much consistently since purchasing it almost a year ago. I really like this color for a pale girl bronzer, although I do tend to use a darker color in the summer. I think I'll be using this for a couple more months and transition into a darker bronzer color.

MAC Pink Sprinkles: Originally, I bought the other Simpsons blush color because I liked the packaging, but I did want this one too. I'm glad I got both blushes because the other one will be a nice color in the summer, but this one is nice year round. I'm really finding that I love the blushes I've purchased and I enjoy rotating them every month.

Estée Lauder Nude Nuance: I didn't use this blush after slipping it into a palette because I broke it when I was taking it out of the plastic clam shell packaging. I was so pissed that I just really never used it. Well, I love blush. It's definitely the shade that I've been loving, like the NARS blush below that I've been using. 

NARS Luster: I've really been loving this blush from the Joie De Vivre palette. This shade is one of those that looks like nothing in the pan but really transforms on your cheeks. I was going to reach for Angelika, which is one of my favorites and right next to this one, but I reconsidered. Then I found that I wanted to use this blush instead of trying something new.

Versace Bright Crystal Absolu: This has been my favorite perfume since I purchased this bottle. I feel like I've already put a little dent in the bottle, so I may try to use different scents during the next month. I've accumulated so many because I have a problem, so that won't be difficult. I'm going to try to use my other fragrances because I don't want to run out of this one! 

Escada Moon Sparkle: I've also been loving this scent. It's so nice and fruity, but it doesn't last as long as I'd like. I feel like I've also made a dent in this one, too, so I might try to avoid wearing this one too and save it for summer.

Vera Wang Princess: I'm actually shocked how much I've used of this perfume already. I didn't realize that I wore it nonstop this month after finally getting my bottle. I can't believe it took me so long to finally purchase a full size bottle and I also keep a small atomizer of purple liquid to touch up. I love this so much, but I don't think of it as a summery scent, so I don't think I'll wear it once it starts warming up. We'll see! Maybe I won't avoid this perfume and see what happens, considering I've already worn it once in March already!

January Monthly Favorites

I feel like most of these items aren't new at all, but I think some of them have actually not been featured yet. There's actually a few staples that are missing from the month's list. I don't have a favorite concealer, toner, or mascara. I'm almost out of a couple of these things and I think I might be able to do another empties post even though I just posted one!

Missha Flower Bouquet Skin Fresh Cleansing Oil in Cherry Blossom: I talked this up last month and I haven't been using anything else to take off my makeup. I think this will only last me about another month, so it's a good thing I decided to buy a couple different cleansing oils from Missha.

Missha Creamy Latte Chocolate Cleansing Foam:  Another item from last month's post. I've been using only this cleanser for the most part and I'm starting to get to the point where I'm worried about running out.

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief: It's been awhile since this showed up in any posts, which is strange since I haven't stopped using it. This is my last step of my morning skincare because my primer and makeup just apply better after this. It's definitely one of my favorite gel type moisturizers.

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule: I can't say enough good things about this ampoule. It's my favorite and my holy grail ampoule. I will forever continue to purchase this as long as Missha makes it.

It's Skin Power 10 VC Effector: I just about killed this bottle, which is why I'm glad I ordered another one when it was half gone. I'm thinking of trying a different type in the line, but for now this is my go to in the morning.

Mizon All In One Snail Repair Cream: This is an oldie but a goodie. When I ran out of my Benton Steam Cream, this was sitting in my cabinet and I decided that I needed to use it again. This is a nice light cream, so it's different than the Benton. I think I may end up using both now.

Tony Moly Intense Care Snail Cream: I've been using this to combat my dry winter skin. This jar is almost empty and I have something different to replace it with. I did enjoy this cream quite a bit, but it was pricey and it is now time to move on. I hope I won't miss it too much because I really did love it.

MAC Skin Base Visage: I needed a moisturizing primer to deal with my dry skin. Ever since I ditched the Smashbox primer, my skin has stopped peeling under my makeup in my dry problem spots. I definitely can't use this in the summer because it makes me a little oily and my makeup slides around, but this has been perfect for winter skin. 

Skin79 Super Plus BB Creams in Green and VIP Gold: These used to be two of my favorite BB creams and also my first two Skin79 ones. VIP Gold gives a little more coverage but tends to pull a little grey on me. I usually mix these two together because the Green one is moisturizing and is closer to my skin tone, so it tones down the grey from VIP Gold. I've used this pair for over a year off and on and the canisters are much lighter than my other two Skin79 BBs, so I'm wondering how long before I run out.

ElishaCoy Time Capsule BB Cream: This BB cream gives me more coverage than the Skin79 and it doesn't pull grey on me. That said, it gives my skin more of a makeup feel because it does cover more. I like my face to look more natural, but if I have something to cover than this is what I've been using.

Covergirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Marble: I had to look this up online to see what it was because there's only a color label on the bottom. I was going through some drawers of makeup and found this balm and figured I would use it. Turns out, I really like it and it's discontinued of course.

NYX Butter Lip Gloss in Tiramisu: I wanted to try these glosses but I'm not a huge fan of lip gloss. I always end up buying them and then they get stashed away, like my MAC lip glasses and Revlon lip glosses. I actually like this just for moisture because it isn't sticky. This color barely shows up and I wear it around the house and sometimes to bed because it's just a film on my lips. The fact that it smells like cake doesn't hurt either. I had to restrain myself from buying 5 more when Ulta had them on sale.

MAC Fluidline Brow Gel Creme in Dirty Blonde: I've been more into natural brows and not my usual red ones. I generally coat my brows with red powder and then top it with this because the color looks nice. I've always loved the formula of this gel and I feel like I can get a much better, sharper shape with this than a powder.

(MALIN+GOETZ) Mojito Lip Balm: I got this in my Ipsy bag earlier this month and immediately loved it. I've been wondering if I should get a full size, but that tube won't have the slant tip applicator and some of the ingredients are a little sketchy looking. For now, I just really like this gel based balm.

MAC Blackline: I don't remember where I was digging when I found this liner, but I forgot how much I love it! It's black, but it's also gold. And magic. It doesn't wear as well on my waterline as the Noir liner does, but I do prefer this when I'm looking for a bit of flair.

Clockwise from top: Sea Me Hear Me, Mighty Aphrodite, Copper Diamond, Mary Lou, Aphrodite's Shell

MAC Sea Me, Hear Me: I bought this back in I think June or July when the Alluring Aquatic collection had been out for a month or two. I ended up having non-buyers remorse and got this from a seller in a facebook group. I'm so glad I bought it, because I loved this shade this past summer and I recently decided that it was a good color now. I might rotate my blushes because I noticed that I don't use some of them, but this was great this month and I really love the color and packaging.

MAC Mighty Aphrodite: This blush has been with me for years. I think it was one of the first MAC blushes and I bought because it was from the Wonder Woman collection. I just remember that I was living in Salem at the time and didn't own a lot of makeup, never mind a lot of MAC. That was one of my favorite MAC collections of all time and this is one of my favorite blushes. I tried rotating through my shades this month and kept going back to this one.

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Copper Diamond: This was included in last month's favorites, and for good reason. I really love this highlighter. I try to wear something less intense with a darker blush or bronzer combo, but I've also started with my excuse to not wear this every day because I don't want to ever hit pan on it. You only need a tiny amount though, so I don't think I'll plow through this highlight.

theBalm Mary Lou-Manizer: Another intense highlight that I loved last month and into this month. I think this one is a bit more opaque than Copper Diamond, but it also blends out a little better. I think I like Copper Diamond more than this one, which I guess I should considering that it cost three times more than Mary Lou here. A little goes a long way and it doesn't take much to look like the 90's disco ball glitter trend threw up on your face.

MAC Aphrodite's Shell: I think I have to dig through my favorites posts and see when I haven't included this bronzer. This shade is just effortless. It's the perfect pale skin bronzer and I never feel like it gets too heavy, no matter how many times I swirl my brush in the pan. I have a few bronzers, but I always go back to this one. I don't know why I bothered to buy other shades. Probably come summer I'll use the others because most of them are too dark for the winter. No one looks sun kissed with three feet of snow outside.

NARS Devotee: I had to include this hot mama again because I used the crap out of this highlighter this month. I really do wear a full face of makeup five days a week, so I need a little variety. I feel like three highlighters isn't overkill in a post when you think of how often I wear makeup. I may need to update my picture of this pan because the hetchmarks have started fading more. I think this may be my favorite NARS highlighter of the four I own.

NARS Goulue: This month I left my Guy Bourdin palette on top of the stack and used this blush and Devotee quite a bit. I did think this was too dark for my liking at first, even though I was sure this would be my favorite blush in the palette. After learning to go lightly with this shade, I think it really is my favorite in this palette.

Tarte Breathless: I wanted to continue getting use out of my holiday cheek palette, so I picked this color to try out and I kept going back to it for a more natural cheek. This is generally a blush I would wear with a dark lip so that my face wouldn't compete with my lips. It does look kind of like face powder in the pan, but it totally transforms on the cheeks.

Versace Bright Crystal Absolu: I found it. This is my perfume. I've been trying out different scents because I really want to wear perfume and not just lotions that smell like candy. I found a sample of this that had been tucked away from a Nordstrom order and I just kept going back to that little spray. Well, I realized that I had been spritzing it on every night to go to work and that my sample was almost gone. I almost died when I realized that the 3.2oz bottle was $110 online, so I did some digging and found it for $60 on Overstock.com. I used a 10% off coupon and with my SwagBucks points that I collected over the holidays, I managed to score a $25 gift card. This sounded like a great deal to me, so I scooped up this bottle and one other perfume that isn't quite a favorite yet that I'll talk about in a haul. This is my first "grown-up" perfume purchase and I seriously can't tell you the last scent I bought. I used to really like the Britney Spears perfumes. I think I have a small bottle of a Hilary Duff perfume from high school and also a teeny tiny bottle of Vera Wang Princess that is so small it doesn't even have a sprayer. I think this will be a favorite for a while and it has definitely been a gateway drug into finding more perfumes that I like.