Sunday, October 5, 2014

Loves & Lemons | September 2014

Happy Sunday, loves!  Does anyone else feel like September absolutely FLEW by?!  I remember September 1st like it was yesterday {wistful look into the distance}.  Kidding!  I'm excited to share a few of my favorite things from last month, as well as a few products that didn't knock my socks off.  Be sure to share your loves and lemons with me in the comments!


Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Foundation: This foundation is the epitome of fuss-free, buff-it-and-leave-it excellence!  I used it so much last month, and I know it will continue to be in heavy rotation this autumn. [Review here]

Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes: Now that I've crossed over to the dark side of bodacious, voluminous lashes, I don't want to go back!  Whenever I use regular mascara, I'm left wanting more.  I pop on a coat or two of the Younique and it's party time at Lash Batting Palace, baby! [Review here]

Head and Shoulders Dry Scalp Care 2 in 1 Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner with Almond Oil: This shampoo has done the impossible.  It's kept my scalp healthy, flake-free, and happy, hasn't made my roots oily, and hasn't dried out my ends.  This shampoo has been a savior!  I know I'll be repurchasing this.


Essie Go Ginza, Jenna Hipp Awards Season, & Sally Hansen Golden Rule: I almost never wear the same shade of nail polish for more than a week, much less a specific polish set, if you will, but I can't stop loving this combo platter!  I was inspired by Mary Alison / A Love Tart's Month in Nail Polish July 2014.  Check out her channel; she is the cutest, sweetest person, and I love her Chicago accent!  

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush: I don't often toss around the term game-changer, but when it comes to this brush, that's the only description that fits.  It makes applying base products an absolute cinch and gives my skin the appearance of a flawless finish.  I've used this to apply liquid and powder foundation, tinted moisturizer, bb cream, and even bronzer.  This brush is such a dream that I purchased a second one so I'd always have a clean one at the ready.  It retails for $8.99 USD at ULTA (I just found it at Walgreen's for $6.49!) which is an absolute steal!  Thank you Sam & Nic Chapman!

Garnier Clean + Nourishing Cleansing Oil for Dry Skin: The first time I tried this I wasn't blown away, but I later discovered it was because I didn't use it right.  The next time, after massaging 2 pumps of the oil into my skin, I used a bit more water to really emulsify the oil and I was extremely impressed by it's powers of removal!  Every trace of black mascara, liner, and eyeshadow was gone!  I follow this up with a foaming cleanser to remove any remaining oil from my face and my skin has been very clear and balanced lately.  This oil also doubles as an amazing brush cleanser!  In a bowl, add a few pumps of the cleansing oil to your usual brush cleanser (I usually use shampoo) and swirl your brush through both before working up a lather.  You won't believe how quickly it dissolves the makeup caked onto your brushes and, as an added bonus, they're left feeling incredibly soft!


Alaffia Everyday Coconut Water Toner: I found this adorable, and very affordable, toner at Whole Foods.  Vegan!  Soy free!  Paraben-free!  Certified Fair Trade Coconuts!  OF COURSE I left with it.  It also made me smile because in elementary school, they taught us this West African greeting song that went "Fanga Alaffia, ashe, ashe" that's all about welcoming people with open hearts and friendship and the like.  Anywho, back to present-day and the toner.  Can I confirm that it hydrates while neutralizing surface impurities?  No.  I couldn't stand the smell!  I believe it's supposed to smell like coconut water and lavender, but honestly, all I could smell was this undertone of...funky.  Like the feet of a gaucho after a long day of riding and roping.  I tried to battle through it several times, but the smell was just too much.

Tom's of Maine 24 Hour Long Lasting Deodorant: I wanted to love this SO MUCH and be a green fairy of earthly wonders, but alas, no.  My armpits were not pleased.  They stayed sticky and humid ALL. DAY. LONG.  It was like my own personal tropical rain forest.  I'm used to anti-perspirants, so I expected some dampness but this was loco.  The deodorant smells amazing, but after about 5 hours, I couldn't say the same thing for myself.  It might work for those of you who don't sweat much or live in a cooler climate.  For me, I'm sticking with the APs!

What was your most-loved product last month?  Was there anything you tried that left you feeling less than thrilled?