November and December 2014 Favorites

The Body Shop - Olive Body Butter    

Early December

Current

One word - Obsessed!!!!!  I have never ever used body butters or any other products from the body shop.  It's an amazing product and this specific one works great for dry skin.  It also smells DeLiCiOuS.... It's on sale right now for $12 and The Body Shop just released a "Jumbo" size.  I'm waiting for my order in the mail :)

Michael Todd - Cleanse and Tone

 

I heard so many people rave about this brand on YouTube and blogs, but it never called my attention until now.  This is a 3-N-1 Cleanser, toner and makeup remover.  I love how soft and clean it leaves my face with no irritation (red).  It works great on all skin types and it's affordable.  I still like to use a makeup wipe to remove my makeup prior to cleanse. 
This new baby kicked my previous cleanser's ass to the side.

Lush - Hair and Ocean Salt Scrub

Top - L to R: Retread Hair Conditioner and Curly Wurly Shampoo / Bottom - L to  R: Ocean Salt Face & Body Scrub and Superbalm Scalp Treatment

Lush is another company I have been obsessed with.  I love there facial masks and now there hair products.  I have dry scalp and skin so during winter I must use "heavy duty" items and so far these products have been working for me.  In addition to BIG shampoo (I've been using for while now), Curly Wurly shampoo works great for my curls.  The texture is very thick so a little goes a long way...even on my bee high.  
The Superbalm hair treatment comes in a small container but again a small amount goes a long way.  It leaves my hair "oily" once applied (thankfully I have dry hair), but if you have oily hair this product is not for you.  After applying conditioner it leaves my hair soft and helps with tangling.  
And last, the face and body scrub - O.M.G!  Now, I haven't used this on my face, but it feels like whip cream, smells delicious (I wonder if it tastes good?!) and leaves my skin feeling so nice.  It doesn't have any fall outs like other body scrubs so it won't leave any residue or fall out in your tube.

Caudalie - Instant Radiance Set

I had to pick up this holiday set because last year I made the mistake to wait thinking it would be "the last item sold at Sephora."   The set includes a full size Vinoperfect Radiance Serum and a small 1oz Beauty Elixir (mist).  This brand is pricey, which is why I like to purchase it during the holiday.  This set was $79  (the serum alone is $79 and the 1 oz mist is $18 = $97 plus tax) and I like the white box it comes in because it's magnetic and I can recycle it to use for something else.  

The Vinoperfect is an anti-aging serum that works great for people who suffers with dark spots yet it provides a luminous and hydration to your skin. It smells nice and leaves no irritation.  I actually use this as a primer and mix it with my facial lotion.

The Elixir is a soft mist and is described to help tighten pores and smooth your skin.  It can be used alone or over makeup.  It works as MAC's Fix +.  This is my first time ever using this product and I know I really like it but am still playing with it to see if it's effectively working to tighten my pores.  I do love the soft mist. 

IMPORTANT: This is glass so you need to be careful where you place or store it.

IT Cosmetics -  Concealer and illuminizer

Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer

Thankfully, I don't have under eye circles, puffiness or darkness.  What I do have is a nerve damage on the left side of my face called Bell's Palsy.  My left eye is constantly tearing and interrupts my makeup application grrrrrrrr.........
Therefore, I purchased this concealer because it's described to be "waterproof."  I purchased it in 'LIGHT' to use as a highlighter and see how it would stand up.  The first day I tried it, my eye was tearing out of control.  I wasn't sure if the concealer was irritating my eye being it was my first time trying it.  Overall, it held up to its bargain.  I didn't experience no crack, creasing or dryness.  The best part it didn't move my makeup application.  After a few re-applications, I experienced  eye irritation and long time tearing so I had to stop using this product.  I still think it's a great product.  The texture is light and feels like milk (soft yet watery).  Keep in mind that VERY LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY!

Hello Light Anti-Aging Creme' illuminizer

I LOVE my Shades by G.A.L (Grace Ann Long) illuminator powder in SUNLIT and will need to be replacing it soon.  Therefore, I picked this up during IT's Friends and Family 25% off.  I must say it works very well and has a nice sheer.  The compact comes in white with a mirror and a tiny soft brush (not for disposal).

Kevyn Aucoin - The Sensual Skin Enhancer

I purchased this product in May at the NYC Makeup Show, but I just recently started to use it.  The texture is very thick so it can be mixed with your foundation, however, I purchased a shade lighter than my skin so I am currently using it as a highlighter.  It doesn't irritate my eye and I love the finish look.  

MAC Limited - Pro Longwear Blush

'Make You Mine' Matte Blush

I must say the colors in The Matte Lip Collection were beautiful.  However, this blush is the one that caught my eye.  It's the only blush I continue to reach for since I purchased it in November.  The color is described as a dirty salmon.  

Bobbi Brown - Limited Highlighter - Pink Glow

This is my first Bobbi Brown purchase.  I picked it up in November with a gift card I received by Ebates (it's good to shop online :) I love the packaging, the color and texture is so smooth. It resembles a bit to MAC's limited edition Extra Dimension SkinFinish in 'Superb'

Bobbi Brown 'Pink Glow'

MAC Extra Dimension SkinFinish in 'Superb'

Sephora - Cream Llip Stain #04

Sephora Lip Stain in #04 and Maybelline Matte Lipstick in 'Touch of Spice'

I have been loving this combo and have been using it since November.  The colors are in the same color family except when it's combine it gives more of a pop yet prettier color on your lips.

Top to Bottom: Touch of Spice and #04 (Wet)

R to L: Touch of Spice; #04; and the two colors combined