August 2018 Beauty Favorites

It’s almost September! Yay! It has been a LONG, HOT summer and frankly, I’m glad it’s almost over!  My daughters have been in school for over two weeks now, so I’m ready for cooler weather and a change in my beauty routine!

Below are my favorites this month.  These are products I’ve been using all summer. I haven’t done a ton of reviews in August because I’ve been busy and I haven’t had many new products (I have a feeling that will change this fall!). Here are the one I have been loving most:

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Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Eyeshadow Palette ($42 USD) — I would think this would be a predictable favorite for many of us this month! I purchased this as soon as went on sale at Ulta.com.  I love purples shadow and I loved the packaging!  I wish this had more purples, but the ones in it are very pretty and you can make lots of natural looks with it.  There is a lot of kick up in the pans and their is fallout, but the shades blend well and are very pigmented!

Philosophy Pure Grace Endless Summer ($49 for 2 fl. oz EDT) — I have been loving this during the summer.  It’s citrusy and fresh at first, then the musk gives a sultry finish.  I received this in a set that includes a body lotion, but the set doesn’t seem to be on sale any more.  You can get the perfume still.  And I definitely recommend it!

jane iredale’s NEW Triple Luxe Long Lasting Naturally Moist Lipsticks ($35 each). These are actually new for fall and are a very new favorite for me! Each lipstick contains antioxidant-rich Moringa Oil to soothe and nourish, plus Tahitian Vanilla and Blackberry for subtly sweet, natural flavor. These are hydrating but feel really light on.  My fave shade is the one shown, Jackie (peachy pink). It’s pretty now for summer and will also look gorgeous with dramatic eyes in the fall.

Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder ($34 USD) — This gives me a matte look,  but isn’t dry on my skin.  That’s important to me as I age, and the fact is my face isn’t oily.  But it does get greasy in the summer when it’s so hot and humid.  The combo of this and the Urban Decay Chill setting spray really has kept my makeup in place all day during the hot weather.

Pixi Beauty Retinol Tonic (#15 USD) — This amazing toner features a unique time-release Retinol to help rejuvenate the skin for a natural glow.  Powerful antioxidants and botanicals replenish the skin for  a smoother, softer appearance. I love using this once a day (normally at night). It makes my sensitive a bit red at first, but then calms down and is so even-toned an smooth!  Plus my skin looks great in the morning!

Derma E Firming DMAE Cleanser ($15.50 USD) —  This has been my favorite cleanser for months now! It claims to cleanse away oil and makeup while supporting visibly firmer skin with this exclusive treatment cleanser. The formula contains skin-firming DMAE, antioxidants Alpha Lipoic Acid and C-Ester, calming Lemon Grass, Chamomile, natural astringents Horsetail and Horse Chestnut to be gentle on skin while encouraging healthy tone and texture. It doesn’t irritate my skin at all and cleanses so well while not drying out my skin.

So, those are my August faves.  What have you been loving this month?

My Current Summer Faves!

Summer is flying by this year!  It has been a long, hot one.  My youngest daughter starts high school in a couple of weeks and my middle daughter goes off to college.  It’s crazy!

This summer I have been loving the items below.  They include a cute quotation book on friendship, Biotin chews to help my skin, a fresh new summer perfume and fun holographic nail polish:

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The Joy of Friendship: A Thoughtful and Inspiring Collection of 200 Quotations ($12.50 USD) — The greatest gift in life is friendship. The Joy of Friendship celebrates these all-important relationships by exploring the nature of friendship, how it forms, and how it endures. From childhood friendships to lifelong best buddies, it is the friendships we build along the way that defines who we are and what our lives are about. As Aristotle said, a friend is “a soul living in two bodies.” The Joy of Friendship collects this and other wisdoms to help you better appreciate those who make your world a better place.

NeoCell Biotin Burst Brazilian Acai Berry 30 Chews ($11.96 USD) — All natural formula bursting with delicious flavor. Acai Berry for protection from free radical damage. Having beautiful and radiant skin has never been so easy- or so delicious. NeoCell Biotin Bursts deliver high absorption beauty nutrients in delectable, gourmet soft chews.

I’ve been taking these for about a week.  I like the berry taste and the fact that they are chews instead of pills.  They are fun and easy to take.  My skin has been looking pretty clear lately.  I don’t know if it’s too early to see results, but I will continue to take them!

Philosophy Pure Grace Endless Summer ($49 for 2 fl. oz EDT) — summer is a state of mind—and a new limited-edition fragrance. This fragrance celebrates the sultriest of seasons with delicate layers of iced lychee, exotic pomelo and warm musk, conjuring calm and a carefree sensibility with a single spritz.

I have been loving this during the summer.  It’s citrusy and fresh at first, then the musk gives a sultry finish.  I received this in a set that includes a body lotion, but the set doesn’t seem to be on sale any more.  You can get the perfume still.  And I definitely recommend it!

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The gorgeous nail polishes shown above are The Morgan Taylor Lacquer Platinum Collection. 

The claim for this is that it embraces pure excess with rich textures, effects, and an extended-wear formula.

“With Platinum, we wanted to give the wearer an indulgent experience by creating shades, effects, and textures straight from their wildest dreams,” explain brand namesakesMorgan Haile and Taylor Daniel.

These are so gorgeous!  I love all of the shades, but especially Disco Days, a mint green and Glow all Out, a rosey coral shade.   They wear best with a top coat.

What new summer products have you been loving?

 

 

Philosophy Mother’s Day Fragrance Gift Sets

Mother’s Days is a little over 2 weeks away, time to get shopping! I think fragrance is such a sweet gift to give to mom and the other ladies in my life.

I was sent these amazing sets from Philosophy to try out.  I love the variety that the brand offers.  There’s a scent for everyone!

Fresh Cream 3 Piece Set
Fresh Cream 3 Piece Set

Fresh Cream 3 Piece Set ($47 USD) — Give mom a gift as sweet as she is! This is a Philosophy fan-favorite fragrance.  This includes spray eau de toilette with 2 award-winning body formulas infused with the creamy vanilla scent, for a luxurious layering experience that will last. I think this is perfect for any women on your list.  It’s not a strong scent and appeals to so many people. Purchase at philosophy.com and Philosophy retailers.

Amazing Grace 3 Piece Set
Amazing Grace 3 Piece Set

Amazing Grace 3 Piece Set ($57 USD) — This is my signature scent. The notes are bergamot, muguet blossoms and musk. This set includes the award-winning shampoo, bath & shower gel, a hydrating and firming body emulsion conditions and moisturizes as it tones, for skin that feels pampered and renewed. a finishing spritz of eau de toilette will accompany her through the day with grace. Purchase at philosophy.com and Philosophy retailers.

Pure Grace 3 Piece Set
Pure Grace 3 Piece Set

Pure Grace 3 Piece Set ($57 USD) — This scent is a clean soap and water scent, perfect for classic and outdoorsy ladies.  This collection features the scent 3 ways, perfect for enjoying individually or layering for a longer-lasting experience, beautifully packaged for presenting. Purchase at philosophy.com and Philosophy retailers.

 

Amazing Grace Ballet Rose 2 Piece Set
Amazing Grace Ballet Rose 2 Piece Set

Amazing Grace Ballet Rose 2 Piece Set ($50 USD) — This is a fresh take on amazing grace, wrapped in elegant rose, sparkling peony and pink musk. This is for the woman who loves the scent of fresh roses. This  includes 2 sizes perfect for home (2 oz.) and on the go (0.5 oz. mini), wrapped and ready for gifting.  This is available exclusively at Ulta stores and Ulta.com.

Pure Grace Nude Rose 2 Piece Set
Pure Grace Nude Rose 2 Piece Set

Pure Grace Nude Rose 2 Piece Set ($50 USD) —  This new scent has notes of blush rose, orange flower, warm cedarwood and musk. I really like this scent.  It’s soft and warm, so nice for spring and summer! This gift set includes: pure grace nude rose eau de toilette, 2-oz.pure grace nude rose eau de toilette, 0.5-oz. Purchase at Macy’s stores and Macys.com

Have you tried Philosophy scents? Which one is your favorite?