Beauty Benefit

benefit cosmetics has always been one of my favorite beauty brands on the market.  with their adorable packaging, fun names and quality products, you just can't seem to go wrong with anything they make!

 

since moving to brentwood, i am that much closer to the benefit cosmetic store on montana avenue and have been going every three weeks to get my brows tinted and waxed for $32!  these girls know what they are doing and i can honestly say that the store is always packed with customers, a testament to their results!

 

the only problem i encounter when i head into benefit to get my brows done, is i end up leaving with a bag full of products i didn't realize existed until i tried them out.  one of those products is the  instant brow pencil in light...

if you tweezed a little too much in your lifetime and need a little help filling in where some hair is missing, this pencil is for you!  the color is spot on and it fills in your brows without them looking "drawn on" with the help of the brush at the end.  a permanent staple in my makeup bag now! 

my other favorite recent purchase is the finding mr. bright makeup kit...

 

this is the perfect kit if you like glowing skin and products that you can fit in your purse to take with you.  seriously, everything in this kit is amazing!  i had not used the girl meets pearl luminizer before and have to say thank goodness it had a mini size in here as i LOVE it.  i use it now every single day.  i feel flat without it. 

 

i have long been a fan of the posietint product, but love it even more in the travel size, since a little goes a long way!  again this product giver you a pretty, glowy, dewy complexion which is perfection!

 

i have already shared my love for high beam here and the love continues with the mini version.

 

the last perfect piece is the erase paste which is a soft creamy concealer which has brightening undertones to help conceal not only dark circles but also yucky blemishes.  the texture is creamy and doesn't leave your face dry and feeling cake-y like some other concealers do. 

 

best party about the kit is all four of these products are travel ready for under $30! 

 

i also shared my love of their they're real mascara earlier this year here. 

 

if you haven't already jumped on the benefit bandwagon, might i ask you to join me now, as looking fresh, dewy and bright is always in style.  also, if you live close to a benefit store, be sure to pop in and get your brows some loving, they do a marvelous job and it really makes all the difference in the world!

Best Brush Ever!

 

no seriously.  this little guy is amazeballs. 

 

i have super fine hair that is a pain in the butt to comb out when i get out of the shower.  so much so that i don't brush my hair ever. 

 

for reals.  i only brush my hair when i get out of the shower.  and even then i don't actually brush it, i just comb it and it usually takes a some time and results in a loss of a lot of hair and a bit of a sore head (and god knows how many broken hairs). 

 

so imagine my delight when my new hairdresser ashley worked this nifty weird gadget through my hair in a matter of seconds (all while it massaged my head).  i immediately asked what the hell was that.  and she informed me it was called the "tangle teezer" and it was great on all types of hair, wet or dry. 

 

i was of course sold and ready to purchase only to find out that they are kind of hard to track down (i should have ordered online).  a few weeks ago i found this sparkly brush at barrington court health & beauty supply and couldn't wait to try it out at home...turns out it works just as well at home as it did in the salon! 

 

it does sometimes make me feel like i am brushing a horses tail due to the shape and sound, but i promise you, this brush is life changing!  it's the perfect brush for summer beach days, or everyday shower days!

Rodan + Fields Redefine Regimen Review

last december my gf stacie sent me some rodan + fields products to try.  i have only heard wonderful things about this beauty line and was excited to get to try it out for two weeks for free! 

 

after stacie and i determined my skin problems and goals, we decided on the redefine system to best address my goals.  this system is focused on reducing the appearance of lines, pores and loss of firmness.  growing up in seattle and being fair skinned has helped a bit with my aging and i feel very blessed to have the skin i do, but as i am creeping past 33, i am noticing the lines are getting a little deeper, my pores a little more noticeable and just a loss of daily glow. 

 

stacie sent me over a two week supply of the redefine regimen, the micro-dermabrasion paste and the lip micro-dermabrasion. 

 

 

i must admit, i am a dial hand soap as face wash kind of girl and besides moisturizer don't really dabble too much into systems or regimens for my face. 

 

the redefine regimen begins with the daily cleansing mask which is a thick white clay based cleanser that you apply as a mask for two minutes and then wash off.  the mask provides a little extra exfoliation and worked best for me in the shower.  in full honesty the two minute wait is a bit much for me in the morning, as i like to get in and get out. 

 

the pore minimizing toner (conveniently labeled 2) was the next step and i really enjoyed this product.  while i cannot attest that i saw a difference i did enjoy that it is alcohol free and left my skin feeling fresh. 

 

step 3 in the am is the triple defense treatment which i absolutely adored.  it provided great coverage, spf 30 and a light scent that was not overwhelming.  it was light and non-greasy and made my skin feel smooth and ready for my daily makeup.  in the pm i used the overnight restorative cream and again, i absolutely loved this product.  my skin felt moisturized and smooth and when i woke up my skin looked more refreshed then usual and ultra soft. 

 

twice a week i used the micro-dermabrasion paste in the shower or sunday night before the week to feel my freshest.  a little goes a long way with this product which left my skin feeling oh so soft and smooth which i LOVED!  it's gritty and really leaves you with a clean slate for the week.  dare i say my skin even looked a little brighter?

 

a few of my friends refer to my lips as "pillow lips" a nickname i would like to keep and take very seriously.  the lip micro-dermabrasion was one of my favorites as it was so easy to use and left my lips oh so pillowy and soft.  see ya dry flaky lips. 

 

 

my favorite product stacie sent over however, were the night renewing serum capsules.  one of my favorite things about these capsules is that they are pre-measured so you can't mess it up!  you use just the right amount every time and these babies most definitely had me seeing results fast.  i could absolutely notice an extra glow to my skin after using them as well as my lines looking a little less deep and my skin a lot smoother.  the serum is light but covers fantastically and made me feel like i received a little facial over night. 

 

i want to thank stacie for letting me try out the system and i am definitely planning to order the night renewing serum capsules again.  rodan + fields just released the macro exfoliator that sold out so quickly and sheds 5 million dead skin cells in one five minute treatment!  see ya dead skin! 

 

as we age and expose our skin to all those yucky toxins out there, it is ever so important to make sure you create your own beauty regimen to keep your skin looking its very best.  r + d has created some amazing products to assist you at home at very reasonable prices.  if you are looking to start now (and you should) reach out to my girl stacie and figure out the right regimen for you! 

Sephora Staples

 

as much as i love my drug store beauty goods, there are just a few staples that require a visit to my local sephora.

 

during christmas i purchased this stila seeing stars smudge-stick waterproof eyeliner set fully intended to break it apart and gift each eyeliner to a friend and wouldn't you just know that i accidentally kept them all to myself and am hooked?  these eyeliners glide on so smoothly and they last all day long!  but what i love most about these eyeliners is they make lining the inner rim of your eye so simple and it actually stays put all night long (all night) - score!  plus it is important to mention that these liners are sold individually for $20 each so you are getting a steal of a deal at $32 for five of them! 

 

i love my l'oreal voluminous mascara oh so much and wanted to HATE the benefit they're real mascara so bad, but let me just tell you...THIS MASCARA IS AMAZEBALLS.  it really does make your lashes look extraordinary!  i purchased the travel size and was feeling sad when it began to dry up, but luckily for me sephora's b*day gift for beauty insiders in 2013 is a travel size of this mascara AND a travel size of the watt's up (which i am still learning how to use).  if you are still on the hunt for a kick-ass mascara, be sure to give this one a try, it's that good!

 

lastly, i have been blogging about urban decay's eyeshadow primer potion tube in sin for years and years now and i will continue to share this incredible product with anyone who is still clueless.  this stuff is a must-have for everybody, it is available in a variety of different shades (in case you hate shimmer) and is the perfect addition to any makeup bag.  it keeps your eyeshadow in place, is the perfect quick product to rub on your eyelids before hitting the gym or running errands and one tube lasts a whole year (if not more)!  i kind of go into panic mode when i am getting near the end of the tube in fear that i will run out. 

 

do you have any sephora staples i am missing out on and need to try out immediately?  do share! 

 

 

Hearts all Around!

dvf iphone case / hanky panky / archie's girls collection / lip slip / bangle / baby love tee

 

i surprisingly am not a huge fan of v*day.  never have been, never will be. 

 

what i do love about v*day however is the abundance of hearts, pink and cinnamon candy that you just can't seem to escape. 

 

if i were to expect sweet b to buy me surprise me with a prezzie this thursday however, any of the items above would tickle me pink!

 

however, it should be noted that even once february 14th passes, i do intend to still wear a lot of pink, hearts and eat cinnamon candy. 

 

xoxox

Beauty Review ~ Vichy Day Cream

 

this past fall the nice people at apothica sent me a jar of vichy liftactiv cxp day cream to try out and review.  i was super excited as i had just run out of my current lotion and was on the hunt for a new product.

 

the vichy liftactiv cxp day cream was different then my other moisturizers as the product was thicker and richer in texture.  a little went a long way and it left my face feeling moisturized and hydrated in a way it had never felt before. 

 

the product promised:

 

 "Vichy LiftActiv CXP Day For Normal/Combination Skin Anti-Wrinkle & Firming is a breakthrough anti-wrinkle and firming formula that continuously releases pure Vitamin C into the skin for 24Hr to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers for firmer, smoother, younger-looking skin."

 

i will say that my skin most definitely felt smoother.  as for younger-looking or firmer i can't really confirm, but what i enjoyed the most was how hydrated my face felt.  during winter months my skin can get a little flaky or dry and i am happy to report not once did i have a flake or dry patch while using this product. 

 

while i enjoyed this product a lot, my only complaint was it is heavily scented.  in fact when i mentioned the name "vichy" to a girlfriend of mine the first thing out of her mouth was, "i really liked the product, but it is very perfume-y".  luckily for me, i did not find the scent offensive but people with sensitive noses or skin may want to be weary of this product. 

 

i was so pleased with this product that i am currently looking into purchasing the vichy neovadiol gf night densifying re-sculpting care cream.  as we head into warmer weather i am looking to move to a lighter moisturizer, but come fall/winter 2013 this product may very well end up in my medicine cabinet again!

 

*this is a sponsored post but all opinions and thoughts are my own!

Drug Store Beauty Booty

 

1 ~ got2b rockin it encore fresh dry shampoo

i have never used the got2b products before and kind of find them a bit gimmicky.  i was forced to try this dry shampoo as it was the only option at the grocery store and i was in dire need of some.  well my friends, turns out jokes on me, because not only is this stuff totally cheap but it always totally works and makes your hair smell amazing.  it isn't the best dry shampoo i have ever used but i much prefer it over the dove and suave dry shampoos. 

 

2 ~ clean clear morning burst skin brightening scrub

this goodie was recommended to me by mr. b himself.  when we were home in may for the young wedding my parents had this in their shower and b kept raving about how much he liked it.  so i thought i'd surprise him with a tube of it at my house.  well wouldn't you just know that it turns out i quite enjoy it myself as well!  the scent is incredible and it really does do a lovely job of exfoliating and leaving your skin clean and clear and under control!

 

3 ~ maybelline color show nail color "green with envy"

i kept seeing this color at the drug store and picking it up and then putting it back because i needed another nail polish color like i needed  a hole in the head, but it turns out that i did need this color for the wedding i attended in september!  the color is very similar to the essie "mint candy apple" but a lot less goopy.  it required two coats (like most polishes) and lasted at least 3 days without chipping.  i received many compliments on the color and will definitely be exploring the other colors in the collection for my next special event. 

 

4 ~ garnier fructis body boost conditioner

i have extremely fine hair that is so easily weighed down.  finding the right shampoo and conditioner is down right difficult.  i usually stick with the bumble & bumble thickening products but always require a little extra conditioner for my ends and don't want to waste the expensive stuff on that.  i recently purchased this conditioner for less than $4 and i absolutely love it!  it has a lovely scent and leaves my ends soft, straight and healthy.  in fact since i started using it, people have complimented me on my hair a lot more frequently. 

 

THE FAIL

 

organix nutritional acai berry avocado shampoo

after raving last post about organix coconut conditioner, i figured i would absolutely love their acai berry avocado shampoo which smelled wonderful.  wrong.  i have pretty normal hair, neither oily nor dry, but when i began using this shampoo i noticed my hair looked really flat, dry and dull.  not at all what the bottle promised.  i also felt as though i had to use a lot of the shampoo to get my hair clean.  not a fan at all.  after about two weeks it was back to bumble and bumble and my hair has been a lot happier. 

Instalife Lately

blogging has been a bit of a difficulty for me lately and i hate it!  i feel like i am constantly writing things down to blog about and then never actually getting to them because of life.  and i realize it is good to live life and not be a slave to the internet, but i miss blogging.  i miss sharing things about me, things that i love and most of all i miss reading things about all of you. 

 

so in an attempt to catch up a little, here's a glimpse into my life these past few months via instagram (@lyndsylee)

 

 

a sleepy w / place setting / wedding debauchery / a lovely gift

 

a day in topanga / products to review (stay tuned!) / sweet little treat / buns all around at the whaler

 

weekends with christy!

pulled out the red lipstick finally / broken glass at brick + mortar / go cougs!

 

harvest celebration in napa / apple cider margarita / scenes from downtown l.a. / best game ever

still loving the accent nail / some tasty tequila with b

 

small wineworld in napa / a fitting sky for a tribute to an incredible guy

holy guacamole late night burrito / uggs are back / cakebread cellars is my favorite

 

i know i have said it before, and i am sure i will say it again, but i am hoping to find some more time to get back to posting and making blogging a bigger priority in my life.  here's hoping y'all are still checking in and reading it! 

 

xoxo

Drug Store Beauty Booty

it's that time again!  below are some of my favorite (and some serious fails) beauty products you can pick up at your local drug store. 

1 ~ l'oreal paris hip studio secrets professional color chrome eyeliner in silver lightening. i use this for my inner eyelids to lighten thing sup a little and it glides on so easily and stays put.  great product!

2 ~ organix nourishing coconut milk conditioner.  i love anything and everything coconut and tried this fabulous conditioner when a friend was in town.  it is a thick conditioner that really moisturizes and smells amazing.  i buy the travel size since i just use it at the ends of my hair and the scent in the shower is luxurious and the softness of my hair after using it is incredible.

3 ~ maybelline eye studio master precise liquid eyeliner.  i thought i my search for an over the counter liquid eyeliner was over when i found this one, but my thoughts they are a changing and i am now in love with this maybelline product.  it is about the easiest liquid liner to use and the color is true black and the thin tip allows you to really make it simple or layer it up and make it all dramatic.  amazing stuff.

4 ~ dove refresh+care invigorating dry shampoo.  if you have read my blog at all, you know that i rely heavily on dry shampoo to make my shampoos last that much longer. i have tried may dry shampoos and definitely have my faves but finding one for under $5 that actually smells good and works was sort of like hitting the jackpot for me (okay not even close - but i was happy). 

5 ~ l'oreal voluminous power volume 24h washable mascara is the mascara to beat all other mascaras.  i think that i am done searching for mascaras and it feels great to have one that is so wonderful and comes with such a little pricetag.  if you like any of l'oreal mascaras i am pretty darn sure you will love this one as well.  one coat provides great coverage and elongates those lashes.  two coats leaves you with a phenomenal set of lashes, no falsies needed.  seriously, do yourself a favor and give it a try.  it is a mascara to put an end to all other mascaras.

6 ~ burt's bees radiance serum.  i am a big fan of serums under my daily moisturizer and can no longer go without using one.  my fave serum is a bit of the pricey side ($65 min) and i am always on the hunt for a good serum for under $30.  when one of my fave bloggers sequins & stripes shared that she loved the burt's bees i set out to buy it immediately - only to find that it is really hard to find or always sold out wherever i go.  luckily one day i found it at cvs and i have been using it for over two months now and while i haven't noticed anything dramatic, i do think it has had a good effect on my skin.   

and now onto the fails, which luckily are outnumbered by the loves!

maybelline volum' express mega plus mascara - before i found my trusty l'oreal i tried out this mega plush one and was excited at the potential.  well i was a bit of an idiot and bought it in waterproof (which i hate) but had already opened it and was so mad at myself i went back and bought the normal version as well. 

big mistake.  the bendy brush that is supposed to be so helpful and allow for great ease of applying didn't bend at all and was actually on the flimsy side and annoyed me.  the mascara was also very wet and made my eyelashes stick together in wet long clumps leaving a less than desirable look.  i gave it 5 tries and then tossed it.  boo.

covergirl lineblast eyeliner - this little diddy was purchased for $12 in a von's grocery store in estes park underneath the stanley hotel in colorado.  i was low on my maybelline precise liner and wanted to get another one in case for the wedding and unfortunately all they had was this covergirl one.  i was hopeful and optimistic that this shorty would be even better than my maybelline product. 

not so much.  this liner is very wet and does not go on black even though the color is enduring black.  in fact my first time using it straight out of the package required me to go over the line i just drew three or four times to get the proper coverage i wanted.  i don't use the word hate very often (except when discussing magic) and i quite hate this product. 

there you have it my friends.  my fave (and least fave) drug store finds that are all under $10!  isn't it nice to save some cash-ola and spend it on something nice? 

any other drug store beauty i am missing out on that i must try!  please share!

AllSaints McQueen

has anyone else been watching sytycd?  oh boy i just love that show.  i love the music, the choreography, but often times i enjoy cat deely's incredible wardrobe. 

the 200th episode of sytycd premiered with cat walking out in this bedazzling allsaints oyster long sleeved dress and totally squeaked out loud.  then i saw the gorgeous taylor from glitter guide wearing it for her bachelorette party and i was oh so jealous. 

the colors in the dress are modest and calm - a complete juxtaposition with the head to toe sparkle.  the colors intrigued me and led me to my next obsessions the alexander mcqueen swarovski crystal double-skull bracelet, the swarovski crystal accented skull barnacle ring and the enameled skull bangle all which would work on their own with this dress or absolutely anything else!

unfortunately these items are all but a wish in my lust list, which left me craving some actual sparkles and shine that i can afford. 

deborah lippmann's dancing in the dark is just the perfect combo of dark and light. 

loafers aren't normally my style but make them pink and add glitter and all of a sudden they are just my style.  these kate spade cora glitter patent leather & metallic loafers may be on the pricey side but they would be worth the splurge since they are work friendly!

bobbi brown's sparkle eyeshadow is a great way to add shine and glitter into your life without looking like a stripper.  pretty and lady like and just right for that special night.

lastly the emi-jay gold glitter hair ties are just awesome for summer ponytail's or to keep your hair back and end up with a dent.  i picked up a few a few years ago and fell in love and was recently gifted a glittery black and tie-dye one from mrs. r.  adore!

what's your thought on glitter and shine everyday?  do you save it just for special occasions or wear it all the time loud and proud?

Gift Giving Guide ~ Mother's Day

mother's day is this sunday and you still have time to show that favorite mom in your life (whether it is your actual mom, your best friend, sister, aunt, whomever) how special she is to you.

below are some great gifts to share with that amazing woman in your life.

help mom step into spring with this darling bold geo dot scarf.  not only is it trendy with the polka dots, but the red/lavendar combo is sure to get her noticed!

what better way to say i think you are wonderful than to give a gift that says just that?  the philosophy "i think you are wonderful" set is just too cute and perfect for any mother in your life.

my mom adores candles and often has to put herself on "candle restriction" as she accumulates so many.  however i think she would love to add the capri blue mercury glass jar candle and/or the  glassybaby in big sky to her growing collection. 

my mom is quite the suzy homemaker and is constantly baking cupcakes for various events.  i am pretty sure any mother would love a little help in the frosting department and the williams-sonoma frosting is sure not to disappoint.  pair it with the mothers little book of home-baked treats cookbook and you are sure to be rewarded with a tasty treat!

we all know that growing older doesn't always help with one's vision.  what you can help your mom with is looking good while she helps her vision in these darling kate spade jodie readers.  available in a variety of colors, you'll be sure to find the right one for your favorite visually challenged female.

handwritten notes are a favorite from my mom, and i think just about anyone now a days loves receiving a little piece of mail addresses to them (other than a bill).  the receiver is sure to be flooded with love and affection when they open up one of these many thanks and lots of love foldover cards.

i want to thank my own mama for being such a fabulous role model and raising me with lots of love, support and smiles.  i wish i could be there this sunday to celebrate and spoil the heck out of her, but will have to wait until wednesday to give her a proper squeeze she deserves. 

gifts aside, be sure to thank a mother around you and make her feel a little extra special this week! 

xoxo

I'm Lovin' It ~ Summer Lovin'

happy may gray day!  even though the gray skies continue to rule over los angeles, my recent spray tan appointment and vacation in 15 days has me in a summer lovin' kind of mood. 

even though my vacation isn't to anywhere tropical, i am dreaming of blue skies, warm sun on my shoulders and all the fun that summer brings today. 

the items that currently haunt my summer dreams include:

jo malone vanilla & anise cologne - smells just like a root beer float.  yum!

every summer my flip flops take a beating and need to be replaced and every year i almost cave and buy those $50+ capri ones and every year i am saved by a cheaper pair.  this year gap nailed it with their leather flip flops available in a variety of colors and even come with a little extra cushion for your footsies.  awesome.

like the ray of light  kissing my shoulders, my toes will be sporting deborah lippmann's version of ray of light.  perhaps i will even listen to madonna's take on "ray of light".  that's cray, cray.

fringe benefits this summer - yes please!

in order to fully get the most benefits from my fringe, i plan to snack on these tasty little that's it. bars that give you two servings of fruit in one bar.  two fruits, one bar - much better than that other two girls one cup business (do not google it).

lastly a sweet little tumbler to enjoy a variety of light beverages from - although i am heavily leaning towards a calimocho or sangria - yum. 

what are you craving for summer?

Drug Store Beauty Booty

it took me over a month to finally find the maybelline baby lips lip balm in my local target after i searched any and every store in LA for this raved about product.  i ended up purchasing the grape vine color (pictured above) and have to say, i just love it!  less than $3.99 a tube and it leaves my lips with a pretty barely there tint, a light grape taste and baby soft lips.  plus the packaging is just adorable.  i forsee (if i can find them) many more baby lips lip balms in my future. 

i didn't think it was possible for me to find a liquid eyeliner pen that i loved as much as the stila one i raved about here, but believe it or not i did!  the revlon colorstay liquid eye pen was not immediately impressive to me as the color didn't come out as dramatic and black as i had hoped.  however, quick thinking on my part and storing the pen with the tip down made a big difference and i have been so happy with this product since. 

a lot of people ask me how i get my liquid liner so perfect and i always say the liquid eye pen is the trick.  this eyeliner stays on all day as it promises (even after a major sweat session at circuit works) and washes off pretty easily (with the help of almay eye makeup remover pads). 

this pen and i are going to lifelong friends.

i ran out of moisturizer recently and realized i have not bought any in a long time (thanks to my mom who always sends me her rejects or gifts me good stuff) and was a bit stumped as to what i should buy. 

i have always read such great things about olay products and decided that i would give the olay total effects 7-in-1 anti-aging daily moisturizer w/ spf 15 a shot.  i may have also been swayed that it was on sale if i am being completely honest. 

turns out i really like the stuff.  i haven't really noticed a lot of improvements to my skin, but i do like the consistency and spf factor.  i am not sure if i would buy it again, but i don't hate it! 

now i realize this isn't "technically" from a drug store, but it was only $7.50 so it seems to fit well enough into the category. 

i have been suffering from really dry lips these past few weeks and no matter the amount of product i smear on them, they still felt rough and flaky and totally hating it. 

last friday, i popped into bath and body works for some home scents and came back with some new scents as well as this tube of my favorite night balm by c.o. bigelow.  well i thought the package was a little cocky, i am quickly changing my tune as it has become my favorite night lip balm.  i apply it before i lay my head down and awake 5-6 hours later with balm still on my lips!  it's a miracle.  and in the short time i have been using it, i can see a vast improvement to the condition of my lips. 

buy this immediately...whomever you are kissing will thank you!

i've said it before and i will say it again.  eye cream as we get older is so important.  and not just any eye cream...hydrating eye cream.  moisturizer is our best bet again wrinkles and let me just tell you, this neutrogena ageless essentials continuous hydration eye cream does just that. 

santa brought me this little guy in my stocking this past christmas and i love it. i am almost at the end of the tube and will be buying it again once it is empty.  the cream leaves your eyes feeling soothed, moisturized and with a healthy sheen/glow.  my undereye concealer goes on so much smoother and doesn't cake or fall into the cracks. 

and those my friends are my favorite products as of late.  do you have any favorites that are missing from the list that i must try?  do you think there is a huge difference between drug store and retail beauty products?

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Minty Fresh

i am loving the abundance of mint i am seeing on the street, in the stores and in the blogworld.  mint is lovely, and smooth and the perfect color to add to your wardrobe this spring.

mint is luckily one of those colors that just about anyone can wear.  if you are a bit on the weary side of pastels, why not accent your outfits instead with this fresh color? 

mint conditioner/crystal stripe-link bracelet/sweet mint organic lip balm/minted nail enamel 

quilted leather corner purse/shurkus platform courts/pastel jelly watch/clement scarf

i just love getting fresh, and you should too...with mint!

V*Day Lovelies

one/two/three/four/five/six/seven/eight

v*day is here and while i love all the hearts, pink and cinnamon treats, i am not really one to celebrate this holiday. 

but if i were to receive a gift from cupid, any of the items above would surely make me quite twitterpated!

Drug Store Beauty Booty

St. Ives Coconut Milk & Orchid Extract Lotion

I have a ton of those super scented lotions that I don't always feel really moisturize as much as they scent-tize and realized I needed a good legit lotion for everyday.  I originally bought this lotion to keep over at B's but liked it so much I took it back and have it chilling in my bathroom.  The scent is lovely and light and the lotion leaves your skin so soft!  And at under $5 it is such a steal! 

Wet n Wild - Party of Five Glitters

This nail polish is straight up legit, let me count the ways why I love it so.  Last year I bought my nail polish obsessed roomie Debroah Lippmann's "Happy Birthday"  glitter polish and fell in love.  Imagine my delight when browsing Walgreens to find this $1.99 polish that is a great cheap version of the luxe brand, but also named after one of my fave shows growing up. 

Suave - Dry Spray Shampoo

While I still love my Psssssst... I am always game to try the latest and cheapest dry shampoos out there.  I found this Suave Dry Shampoo and was sure I would be disappointed, because you know...it's Suave. 

Turns out Suave really has redone not only their packaging but also their product quality.  This dry shampoo is AWESOME and smells so good!  It's rings up just under $4 and not only sprays clear but evenly, which I find is very key for a good dry shampoo. 

Lesson learned, don't judge a dry shampoo by it's cover.

Sonia Kashuk - Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

I happened to stop into Target to pick up some laundry soap, groceries and toilet paper.  I can out minus $130 and a tube of Sonia's tinted moisturizer.  I have desperately been searching for a tinted moisturizer that holds a candle against Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer and while I still haven't quite found one, I have found some great, close alternatives including this one. 

A little goes a long way, let me just warn you.  The coverage is great and while the color I selected is a little lighter than I would have preferred it, blends fantastically and leaves my skin fresh and youthful (at least I like to think it does).  This is my first Sonia Kashuk beauty purchase and am quite pleased with it so far and excited to try some more of her goods. 

Aquafresh Extreme Clean Toothpaste

Hands down my favorite toothpaste ever.  I recently switched it up and have immediately regretted my decision.  I have been using this toothpaste since college and love how fresh and clean it leaves my mouth.  Also it should be noted (knock on wood) that I haven't had any cavities in 6+ years and I think it must have something to do with the toothpaste.  Back in the day it used to be this kind of awful orange tasting paste, but they have since added whitening features as well as two flavors of mint. 

If you are hating your toothpaste I really, really love this one and recommend it to everyone!

Any great drug store beauty products you can't leave home without?  I would love to hear your favorite affordable beauty products!