June Favorites

July 4, 2015 Amanda Hollingsworth

Another month, another set of favorites. I don't know about you but this month really flew by, and this time I really mean it. And with June being the official start of summer, I finally embraced the hot temperatures and bare legs (FYI, summer is my least favorite season to dress for). What I do love about summer, though, is colorful everything from nails to lips to shoes. Here's a recap of what rocked my socks in June (and will probably continue to do so into July).

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Radiant Light

I've actually been able to hang onto my barely-there-but-still-there sun kissed glow from the beach in May, so this powder has been perfect. I'm not one to dust bronzer all over my face but this is subtle enough that I don't look like a crazy clown with stripes. It really does give the most gorgeous glow, so I like to use it all over my face. Think of it as an Instagram filter in real life!

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

You may or may not know that I am a big fan of layering mascaras, and this one in particular has been my go-to for dramatic lashes lately. I start with a base coat of a regular volumizing formula and then top it off with Roller Lash. I have never used a lash curler (gasp) so I can't give a comparison in that respect, but I will say that it noticeably curls and separates my lashes with each coat, both of which are very important to a mascara junkie like me!

Philosophy Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion

You know that a product called an "emulsion" is going to be luxurious, and this one doesn't disappoint. I got a deluxe sample with some of my Sephora points and I'm so glad I cashed in on this. The smell alone is enough to make me want to drench myself in it every morning, but thankfully I have enough restraint to not do that. In all seriousness though, it's a great lotion that leaves your skin feeling moisturized without leaving any residue. I haven't used it long enough to speak to it's firming capability, but I'll be sure to give an update soon!

OPI Nail Lacquer in Cajun Shrimp

This is my quintessential nail color. Take me to the nail salon and I can walk right up to the wall of polish and pick it out in a second. Since I'm pretty good at painting my own nails and do so often, I figured it was about time that I buy a bottle to add to my collection. I rocked this mani in Chicago and it's still going strong 5 days later!

Essie Nail Polish in Bikini So Teeny

If you haven't noticed, periwinkle polish is everywhere. So since I was on the nail painting wagon, I picked up this color as well. A bikini and shrimp kind of go together, right? I prefer smaller brush handles just like the Essie one when it comes to painting my own nails, so I actually tend to gravitate more towards their polishes anyway. Bright colors like this are always fun to throw into the mix every once in a while. And if you have to keep your fingers pretty conservative for work, this looks just as adorable on your toes!

xoxo,

Amanda

{Summer Skin} Mattifying Products for a Flawless Face

June 12, 2015 Amanda Hollingsworth

The dry winter months are well behind us, which means two things - humidity and oily skin. Unless you are blessed with normal skin year-round, you probably have to make some adjustments to your beauty routine as the seasons change for everything from hair care to makeup to body products. Summer and hot temperatures definitely bring out the shine, but luckily there are more products than you can count out there to combat it. I've tried and tested a reasonable amount of said products and have found the best ones that work for me. If you're starting to notice that dewy summer skin show up then consider adding these things into your routine for a matte look every time!

Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer

I actually received a deluxe sample of this around the holidays, when I definitely didn't need it, as part of a gift-with-purchase set. I hung on to it knowing that it would be perfect to try when it warmed up, and it hasn't disappointed me yet. It holds my makeup in place all day, even after the stress of crunching numbers for hours on end. Just be sure to apply this after moisturizer, and use a light hand especially on areas that don't need it.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

The key to success with achieving a flawless matte face is starting with a good base of course. I've repurchased this foundation countless times and I really can't sing its praises loud enough. I'm not a fan of mattifying foundations, but long-wearing formulas are totally my jam. I dare you to try this and not fall in love from first application.

Cover FX Matte Setting Powder

I picked this powder up in my most recent Sephora haul and haven't put it down ever since. I typically gravitate toward pressed powder rather than loose, just for the simple fact that it creates less of a mess and you don't have to worry about a giant cloud erupting every time you open it, but this stuff goes on like silk and I can't resist. A little goes a long way, and all I really have to do is concentrate on my T-zone and then sweep the remaining product over the rest of my face and I'm all set. See what I did there?

Urban Decay De-slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray

In some cases, setting sprays can seem pretty gimmicky, like there's this magic elixir that will ward off everything that's working against your skin to undo that flawless face you left the house with in the morning. But when it comes to Urban Decay, they really know what they are doing. This is another product I've repurchased multiple times and let me tell you, there's a reason I'm coming back. I prefer to spray this pre-powder and post-foundation application to really lock everything in place.

xoxo,

Amanda

April Favorites

April 29, 2015 Amanda Hollingsworth

It's time for another round of monthly favorites! Since I typically measure time in months at work anyway, it's actually been kind of fun to sync up the different products that I try with that schedule. Now that we are fully in the swing of spring, I've pulled out some things that are oldies but goodies as well as some tried and true favorites. Here's a look at what I've been loving in April!

Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish - This is one of those products you find randomly in your closet or under the cabinet that you completely forgot about and can't remember why you haven't thought to look for it sooner. In my case, that would be since I moved last summer. It was still tucked away in a box of beauty products that are basically on the verge of being thrown or given away. All I can say is thank goodness I saved this one from it's untimely demise. I use this every couple of days in the shower to exfoliate my body, and with summer right around the corner, this is perfect for getting smooth skin without being too harsh or abrasive, especially if your skin is sensitive like mine. Much to my dismay, as I went to link this product for you, it looks like Sephora is phasing out carrying the Soap & Glory line. I did find it on their website though!

Dove Refresh + Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo - This one would be a tried and true favorite for sure. I love trying new products and different brands, but with dry shampoo it seems like I always end up with Dove. It smells amazing, doesn't leave any white residue, and most importantly gives me the results I am looking for. I was tempted to try a new brand during the Sephora sale but I figured why bother if I have something in my arsenal that I know will work.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Tipsy - I'm not usually drawn towards corals or warmer shades in general, but this blush is just too beautiful to pass up. Plus, you can't deny that coral is pretty much synonymous with summer. I've got beach vacation on the brain, so forgive me if I'm skipping over spring a little too quickly.

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Fuchsia - Once the weather was consistently warm, I wasted no time in bringing out all of the bright lipsticks! If I had to pick a favorite, this would probably be it. The formula is perfect for a gal on the go because it seriously lasts all day long with hardly any need for a touch up. I love my makeup, but I'm all for no-fuss at the same time so any product that lasts all day is bound to become a favorite of mine.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer - I use this under my eyes and I have to say it's amazing quality at a fraction of the price of a higher end comp. The doe-foot applicator makes it simple to apply and I don't notice any creasing or smudging. Chelcey used this recently one morning when we were running late for brunch (like when are we ever not) and she had to know what it was because she loved it too. That's how you know it's a keeper.

xoxo,

Amanda

25 Thoughts I Had While Shopping the Sephora VIB Sale

April 21, 2015 Amanda Hollingsworth

1. I've been holding out for this all year, it's ok if I go a little crazy.

2. Ok, maybe I should set a budget. How about $200. That's manageable.

3. Benefit has such cute packaging. I wasn't going to buy mascara but this tube is so cute, I need it.

4. This Bite Beauty lipstick tester looks gross, who does that?

5. But they have the prettiest set of colorful lip glosses. Not that I would wear baby blue or yellow, but they would look pretty on my vanity right?

6. I should probably go ahead and grab a little shopping basket. I know they'll come give me one if I don't.

7. Oooh nail polish that is flattering for your skin tone? Yes, please.

8. When did they rearrange the store? I know Cover FX used to be right here.

9. I can't decide if I should try this new setting powder. I have one from the drugstore, but VIB Sale. Yeah, I'm getting it.

10. It would be great if this lighting existed in real life.

11. Why is the Too Faced section so small? I wanted the Color Pop palette and they don't even have it!

12. Oh crap, I forgot to grab that eyebrow serum from the Anastasia Beverly Hills display. I'm not spending that much money on that little tube unless it's on sale.

13. All of the perfume is rearranged too? Where is Elizabeth and James? I want to try that because everyone is talking about how great it is.

14. Here it is. Should I go for the black or white one?

15. Yeah, not getting the black. Sandalwood makes my throat hurt. Am I the only person allergic to certain perfumes or am I just weird?

16. My little basket is getting pretty full. I hope I'm not over my budget.

17. I'm out of face moisturizer, I should probably go ahead and pick up a new one.

18. I wonder how much this is going to be.

19. Let's go to the back corner and calculate (accountant, duh!)

20. Ok well all of this is like $230. I wanted to be under $200, after the discount of course. I'll ditch this lip liner.

21. The hard part will be getting past all of the little minis while you wait to pay.

22. Phew, successfully dodged that bullet.

23. Score, there's actually something I want to spend some points on.

24. Oh dang it! I forgot to pick up a sunscreen. Looks like they don't even have what I wanted though. Bummer.

25. Whatever, I'll just do another order online.

PS - Today is the last day to get your VIB Sale on, so don't miss out!

xoxo,

Amanda

So Fresh and So Spring {Makeup Look}

April 10, 2015 Amanda Hollingsworth

I've pretty much been using the Too Faced Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar palette since I bought it earlier this year. I'm obviously obsessed with the chocolaty goodness smell but the colors are equally as amazing. I've played around with it a little bit with some different looks that are a bit out of my comfort zone, but if you want a fresh-faced look for spring then you can't go wrong with this either. Here are the details on my day-to-day makeup as of late.