November Favorites!

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I really can’t believe that it’s December 1st! The month of November flew by, but luckily I was able to try out some incredible products that I can confidently call “my favorites”! I gathered up my top makeup, skincare, and haircare picks and luckily, most everything is on sale right now! I’m talking discounts up to 30% off! I linked everything for you, so you can be directly taken to the product’s site!

Briogeo “B. Well organic + cold-pressed 100% castor oil” | $26

If you purchase one thing from this blog post, let it be this! The Briogeo “B. Well organic + cold-pressed 100% castor oil” will literally grow and condition your eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair! You can even apply a drop of this to severely dry skin for instant relief! I’ve also used this on my cuticles for my at-home manicures. I just love multi-use products! Whenever I’m asked what mascara I use, I always mention that I apply this castor oil on my lashes nightly. I really think it makes all the difference! I place a drop on a disposable mascara wand or q-tip and gently brush through my lashes from root to tip. I do the same with my eyebrows, but sometimes use a little bit more product than my eyelashes, to make sure they’re really conditioned. You can even massage some into your hairline if you’ve noticed thinning or breakage. I think it’s super important to mention that all castor oils are not created equally! This one Is an organic and fair trade certified castor oil from India. It is naturally cold-pressed, which means that it contains the highest amount of nutrients and trace minerals that were originally present in the seed after it has been picked. It is less processed, which means it is more powerful and you’ll see the results quickly! I cannot recommend this enough!

Clinique “Pop Splash Lip Gloss + Hydration” | $19.50 | 04 Latte Pop

These may be my new favorite lip glosses! Such a silky, non-sticky formula that have great pigmentation! They leave a super shiny finish on your lips. These are just as hydrating as a chapstick or lip balm too. I’ve really been on a hunt for clean beauty products that are just as good, or better than their non-clean competition. These have no Parabens or Phthalates. These are also fragrance-free, which is a plus if you have sensitive skin. These lip glosses earned an “Allure Best of Beauty” award and I can definitely see why! They have such a range of shades, from nudes, pinks, to bold colors! I have mine in “04 Latte Pop,” which is the perfect rose/brown nude color for medium skin tones! I really want to try “06 Adore U” and “17 Spritz Pop” next!

Stila “Suede Shade Liquid Eyeshadow”| $24 | Midnight Espresso

I’ve been loving matte shadows recently and this Stila Suede Shade Liquid Eyeshadow in the shade “Midnight Espresso” creates such a beautiful, monochromatic eye look so easily! You can quickly build these up to get a multi-dimensional matte finish on your eyes. One layer all over creates a diffused wash of color, but you can easily apply a second layer to the lid to get a smokey eye. Even though this finish is definitely matte, they aren’t flat or boring looking! These are gorgeous worn alone, but you can also pair them with Stila’s glitter or shimmer eyeshadows (which I absolutely love!) These liquid shadows are long wearing, light weight, and hydrating on the eye lids! I’ve only tried the dark brown color, but I have my eye on the stunning matte mauve shade!

First Aid Beauty “KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub 10% AHA” | $26

I know I can’t be the only one that has those annoying tiny bumps on my arms! It’s called “Keratosis pilaris” and is described as “A condition that causes rough patches and small, acne-like bumps on the skin. This condition develops when the skin produces too much of a protein called keratin, which can block hair follicles and cause bumps to develop.” For me personally, I’ve dealt with it my entire life. I’ve never found a product that effectively removes the bumps and keeps my arms clear, until now! This body scrub has chemical and physical exfoliators that remove the annoying irritation! It is definitely fast-acting, but you have to continue using it every 3-4 days to keep your skin from flaring up again! This product has all of the exfoliating benefits of a micro-dermabrasion, and uses Glycolic and Lactic Acids to chemically exfoliate your skin. This is another clean beauty product, and is allergy tested, safe for sensitive skin, and fragrance free. This product has really improved my confidence because I no longer have any insecurity when it comes to showing my arms or having my husband touch them! It really is a life changing product that I’ll continue to repurchase!

Briogeo “Don’t Despair, Repair!™ honey moisture deep conditioning mask” | $36

I’m not going to lie, the adorable honey bear packaging is what influenced me to buy this! Trust me that the product inside is equally as amazing though! I’ve used this hair mask a few times a week during the month of November and I’ve noticed a significant difference in the health of my hair. Everything looks so much more smooth and hydrated, my split ends are gone, and it has actually helped my hair continue to grow long! I really wish this wasn’t limited edition because I like it more than their original version! This one is super creamy and smells like honey! It is actually created with organic, unpasteurized honey! I use this directly after I shampoo my hair. I apply it to all of my hair, just avoiding my roots and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it out. I seriously notice a huge difference every time I use it and already purchased a back-up! I have thin, fine hair that is pin straight and it doesn’t weigh it down! Miracle hair treatment!

Smashbox “Studio Skin Full Coverage 24 Hour Foundation” | $36

This is my new holy grail, full coverage foundation! I have dry skin in these Winter months and this never clings to any dry patches or You need the smallest amount to cover your entire face, so I’m pretty sure this tube is going to last me until Summer. I love that its practically weightless too. It doesn’t feel heavy, or settle into any of my fine lines or wrinkles. My foundation usually creases into my smile lines and this is one of the only ones that doesn’t at all! I apply it with a damp beauty blender, which really helps to sheer out the formula and evenly distribute the foundation. I do set this with a translucent powder to ensure that it doesn’t fade or transfer throughout the day. The color match is perfection, which can sometimes be difficult for me since I have neutral olive undertones like me!

As always, thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read this blog post. I love writing monthly favorites and getting the chance to share these all star products with you! I would love to know what your favorites are this month, so please leave me a comment so I can try them next. Have a wonderful Sunday night and great rest of the week! Love you!

ColourPop “Going Coconuts” Collection | First Impression Review & Swatches

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I really try to stay mindful about my makeup purchases and remember that I don’t “need” any of these new releases. Whenever I saw this new Going Coconuts Collection from ColourPop… I threw caution to the wind and purchased every single item! If you’ve followed my blog for awhile, you know that I tend to wear really natural, brown toned eyeshadows and nude lipsticks. This collection included a very wearable 9 pan eyeshadow palette with all neutral shades, 3 super shock shadows in all bronze tones, 2 bronzers, and 4 sheer lipsticks that are all natural flushes of color. It was a no brainer that I picked this entire set of products up on the day it launched! I also added their Lippie Balm and Scrub, and their Coconut Face Milk to my cart too! I needed to get the whole tropical vibes experience. I have only used these products for 2 days in a row, so this is definitely a “First Impression Review,” but with the holidays quickly approaching, I wanted to show you guys what I loved and what I liked from this ColourPop Coconut Collection for you to gift, or for you to treat yourself with!

Going Coconuts Palette | $12 |

Whenever I first saw this palette, it actually stood out to me as being different from anything I’ve owned. Hear me out, it has a really good mix of cool tones and a few bright, shimmering shades that have silver and rose gold undertones. There isn’t anything that’s overly warm or golden, which I actually found refreshing from all the recent orange and red-tones palettes I’ve seen released. Not only is this super wearable for daily looks, but I think this would be a stunning special occasion palette. You could create the most beautiful wedding day, glam look using these shades! I love that the packaging is a hard plastic, as opposed to cardboard and it has a mirror inside. This is an ideal travel palette for me! The only con that I notice is that the metallic shades are crumbly, so you need to barely tap your finger into the pan to prevent them from smashing and breaking off into little pieces! I made the mistake of going full speed ahead into “Palm Reader” and had to gently pat it back into place after almost ruining it!

Shredded – satin matte cream

Palm Reader – metallic icy silver

Coolada – cool toned brown with gray undertones

Lovely Bunch – warm light brown

Coco Crush – metallic rose gold

Shell Yeah – satin matte terracotta

Get Crackin – cool toned dark brown with silver glitter

Da Coco – metallic taupe brown with silver and gold shimmer

Nutty – matte cool toned dark brown

Call Me On My Shellphone Super Shock Shadow Trio

The ColourPop Super Shock Shadows are one of my favorite formulas! They’re a cream-to-powder finish and have a bouncy texture when you touch them. I always use my finger to apply these. I think you get maximum color payoff by patting them into your eyelid, rather than swiping with a brush. These shimmer shades are super pigmented and foiled on the kids! They catch the light so beautifully and I guarantee you will have people complimenting your eyeshadow when you use one these! You can buy these separately for $6, or all three in a trio for $15. I used the shade descriptions from the ColourPop website for the rest of the items in this collection because I think they’re pretty accurate and I’m terrible at trying to describe these things! 😂

Peekaboo | $6 | “metallic ivory with silver glitter”

A Little Quarky | $6 | “peachy gold with blue & silver glitter”

Deep Dive | $6 | “bronze with purple and gold glitter”

Just a Tint Lip

Okay, where has this lip product been my entire life?! Girls, this is such a comfortable, hydrating lip crayon that perfectly tints your lips with a natural hue and a lip balm finish! These are definitely not high pigment, full coverage lippies, but they will give you a healthy looking hydration and sheer wash of color in an instant! I love the crayon-like shape of these because you can so easily line your lips and fill them in using one product. I have a feeling I’m going to be using these a ton in the next few months!

Island Time | $7 | “a sheer pinky nude”

Shaka | $7 | “a sheer yellow toned nude”

Waikiki | $7 | “a sheer cool toned pink”

Nude Beach | $7 | “a sheer mahogany”

Bronzer

These are my first pressed bronzers from ColourPop and I was definitely not disappointed! I purchased both shades because I usually mix my bronzers anyway and wanted to check for consistency in the formula. So the bad news is, these are SUPER dusty, like I barely pressed my bronzer brush into the pan and had major kick-up and fallout. These kind of made a mess on my vanity and I didn’t like that at all… However, once applied, these are such a pretty, sheer-to-medium powder! They build up beautifully on the skin and gave such a natural bronze flush to my cheeks. If you’re light to medium skin tone, I think you’ll really love “Coconut Beach” and if you’re medium to dark, then “Talk to the Palm” will be your best friend. These are the very pigmented and you just need to barely tap your brush into the pan to get full color payoff. Just be careful with how powdery they are! I would recommend using a fluffy bronzer brush, rather than a densely packed contour brush because the bristles will be more whispy and light, allowing you to not disrupt this extremely, finely milled bronzer!

Coconut Beach | $8 | “a neutral golden bronze”

Talk to the Palm | $8 | “a neutral matte warm bronze”

Coco Loco Kit

This kit seemed like such a good set for this time of year! I have a serious phobia about dry, cracking lips and I do everything in my power to keep them looking hydrated and smooth at all times! These items are sold separately, or you can purchase them both in a kit! I think the set would make such a perfect stocking stuffer for any age girl in your life!

Coco Loco Lippie Balm | $6 | “Clear Balm”

I love the squeeze tube of this lippie balm! These are so much more sanitary than the pots of balm that you constantly have to put your finger in. This formula contains shea butter, vitamin e, coconut and macadamia oil. This smells like a tropical paradise and gives such a shiny finish to my lips!

Coco Loco Lippie Scrub | $6 | “Clear Scrub”

I love how gentle this lippie scrub is! I can tell that it’s exfoliating dead skin off, but it still feels like it’s hydrating my lips at the same time. This is made with raw sugar, shea butter, cupuacu butter, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil. I try to exfoliate my lips at least twice a week to make sure that they look smooth and fresh!

FOURTH RAY BEAUTY

Coconut Face Milk | $14 |

If you didn’t know already, ColourPop has a sister company called Fourth Ray Beauty, which primarily develops natural skincare products. They’re known for their face milks and setting sprays! This Coconut Face Milk is of course, formulated with Coconut Milk and Coconut Oil, but it’s also has Marshmallow Root, and Aloe for additional skin nourishment. I applied 2-3 drops of this on my bare face, before makeup application and let it sink in for about a minute. I felt like it kept my skin looking hydrated and set nicely underneath my makeup. I don’t think it replaces my use for a primer, but I liked it for a moisturizing first step to my makeup routine!

As you have read, I really loved this “Going Coconuts” makeup collection by ColourPop. I felt like it all looked so gorgeous once applied to the face and inspired me to create more looks. I think you can go natural or bold with this palette and the super shock shadows will add such a gorgeous, glossy layer of sparkle on top! If you only get one, I would say “A Little Quarky” was the most unique! The lip tints were another standout product because they felt so good and looked beautiful on my lips! I didn’t think they lasted for a long time, but I honestly didn’t expect them to! They’re a sheer, lightweight formula and sometimes you can’t have your cake and eat it too! On an every day basis, I don’t mind reapplying every other hour if I love the color and love the way it feels on my lips. My absolute favorite shade out of the bunch was “Shaka”! Have you been loving ColourPop’s weekly new releases? I actually enjoy seeing the new collections and look forward to their announcements, but I know some people feel like the brand is not as “exclusive” if they’re always promoting new things. If this a brand you really love, then please let me know, because I really love reviewing their things and their price point is wonderful! I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend. Only a few more days until Thanksgiving, yay! Thank you so much for reading!

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Concealers Worth Your Money, Honey! | Part II

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One of my most viewed blog posts is my “Concealers Worth Your Money, Honey!” post from October 23rd, 2016! I thought it was time for an update and to my surprise, only one of the concealers mentioned in that previous post has remained a present day fav! If I had to guess, this subject has such popularity because of how common dark circles are for all of us! Whether you have them because they’re hereditary, or you’re a new Mom, an overworked employee, whatever the circumstances may be…we all seem to struggle with being tired and/or having discoloration in our under eyes. I wanted to include different brands, price points, formulations, etc. to fit the needs of the variety of skin types/concerns of my readers. Just to give you some background information about me. I am always tired due to a new job with a very demanding work schedule. I also have dark, blue-black circles underneath my eyes from genetics. Plus, I have seasonal allergies which play a big role in the puffiness and swelling that I experience this time of year. Safe to say, I have less-than-perfect under eyes and personally NEED to wear concealer in order to feel comfortable. It’s a step I never skip, whether I’m going for a natural, “no makeup makeup” look or a full glam beat! There is never a time (unless I’m physically ill or in a state of emergency) that I’ll pass on concealer. Since I do have this great need, I’ve tested a lot of different formulas from many different brands and have narrowed down my list to 5.

L’Oréal Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Concealer | $13.49

I stumbled upon this product when I was trying to find a more affordable dupe for the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. After reading reviews and testing swatches in store, this one seemed to be the closest match on the claims and coverage from Tarte Shape Tape. This is a very full coverage product that dries to a matte finish. I would definitely recommend applying this with a damp beauty blender to thin out the formula. I really like the large doe foot applicator because it covers such a wide area very quickly! It claims to be water resistant and all day wear, but I’ve never really tested it to withstand either of those conditions. I can tell you that it for about 14-15 hours on me and didn’t fade. I really like the versatility of this concealer because I can use it to cover up imperfections, such as blemishes and dark spots, and also use it underneath my eyes!

Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer | $27.00

If I could only recommend one concealer to you, it would definitely be this one! I’ve used it for years and it’s just so consistently amazing. Not only is it very full coverage, but it is also lightweight and very blendable! Warning: this can get cakey and look dry if you 1. Apply too much (all you need is a small swipe of product underneath each eye) or 2. You blend it out with a brush. I’ve found that using a damp beauty blender is key to sheering out this concealer and making it look more skin like and natural, without taking away from any of the coverage it provides. It also will not settle into your fine lines, exaggerate pores, or cling to dry patches. I think it’s also very important to mention that this is formulated without Parabens, Mineral Oil, Phthalates, Triclosan, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, and Gluten. It’s also Vegan and Cruelty-Free! I have 2 of these in my collection at the moment. One is in the shade “Light Neutral” which is about 1-2 shades lighter than my skin. It’s definitely personal preference, but I’ve found that buying a concealer that is a shade lighter than my foundation, really helps brighten up my under eyes. I also use the shade “Light Medium Sand” to conceal blemishes, which I want to match the color of my foundation and provide extra coverage for redness and inflamed looking skin.

Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer | $29.00

If you have dry under eye skin, combined with dark circles, then I would highly recommend this Too Faced concealer to you! The formula is infused with coconut water, alpine rose, and hyaluronic acid which keeps your skin plump and refreshed throughout the day! I’ve noticed that this product is a lot thinner than the previous two I’ve mentioned, however it still has high coverage and will conceal darkness and discoloration. It has a very lightweight feeling once applied and blends effortlessly into foundation. I’ve actually found that it pairs so perfectly with the Born This Way foundation from Too Faced! I know this product works really well on mature skin because it is so nourishing and won’t settle into fine lines. You definitely have to set this! I would use a really finely milled translucent setting powder on a tapered brush and just tap tap tap out the creases! I find that all hydrating concealers require setting powder to last all day. I use this in the shade “Snow” which is one of their lightest colors. It does oxidize (turn a shade darker) after it’s applied, so be warned of that as well. I would test some in store on the back of your hand, walk around for a bit, then check back to see if the color has darkened since first applied. That’s how I had to select my perfect brightening color!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer | $9.99

Okay I HAD to include this because I don’t use it alone, but rather in conjunction with all of these other concealers to brighten the darkness first, and then cover it with a shade of concealer that is closer to my skin tone on top. The “Brightener” shade is a peachy pink, color correcting product that is going to counteract the blue/black tones of your under eyes. It instantly gives life to sallow, sunken areas that need an extra boost! I’ve found that I use less concealer when I first apply this, which ensures that I never look cakey around my eye area. It’s seriously so good! I really love the shade “Neutralizer” as well. These are such a great affordable concealer that I seem to always have in my collection. Such a staple!

bareMinerals bareSkin Complete Coverage Serum Concealer | $22.00

If you really don’t have bad dark circles, but mainly just want to brighten and hydrate your under eyes, then this is going to be your bestie! This has such a silky, smooth texture and glides evenly over the skin. I love the way this feels on my skin. It is definitely not the most full coverage, but it does cover and will last for 8 hours (sometimes more) without fading! The way I apply this is by creating the standard diamond shape underneath my eyes, then letting the product sit there for about a minute. Then once I feel like it’s started to set, I will blend it out with my damp beauty blender. I’ve found that this method works best if you want to get the maximum amount of coverage from this concealer. As always, I think it’s really important to know that this formula is Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free, Formaldehyde-Free , Chemical Sunscreen-Free, Triclosan-Free, Triclocarbon-Free, Propylene Glycol-Free. Mineral Oil-Free, Coal Tar-Free, Microbead-Free, and Cruelty-Free. If you get this concealer, I guarantee that your eyes will look more healthy and hydrated!

Whew, that was a lot! If you made it to the end, thank you SO much for sticking it out and reading all 5 of my recommendations. Each of these concealers is so different. I wanted to give you a variety to choose from because I know that we don’t all have the same skin types and concerns! If you know of an incredible concealer that I’m missing out on, then please leave me a comment so I can try it next! Love you!

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Huda Beauty “Nude Obsessions” Eyeshadow Palette | First Impression Review and Swatches

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Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow PaletteHuda Beauty Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette

I am so excited to bring you a full first impression review, swatches, and wear test on 2 of the new Huda Beauty “Nude Obsessions” eyeshadow palettes! I chose the Nude Light and Nude Medium versions because honestly, the Nude Rich had too many red-toned shades and sometimes my eyes can get really sensitive to that specific pigment in shadows. I can do mauves and even rose pink colors, but straight burgundy’s and brick reds can cause irritation on my eyelids from repetitive use. I also love the mix of lavender/cool tones in the light palette and the warm, gold colors in the medium one. It’s awesome the Huda did come out with 3 options for everyone to select what fits their needs/skin tone/preference best!

Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow PaletteHuda Beauty Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette

These palettes feature 9 eyeshadows, varying in texture and finish. Upon first swatches, the mattes are super rich and soft to the touch, the shimmer shades are ultra metallic, and the glitters are very smooth and pigmented! At $29 each, I do find these to be a great value and definitely worth the price point. I picked both of these up at Sephora. Their faux crocodile packaging is really eye catching, but not over the top. Although these are small in size, I wouldn’t suggest traveling with them because of their soft formulation. You may discover some broken shadows if you have experience a bumpy ride!

Huda Beauty Nude Light Eyeshadow PaletteHuda Beauty Nude Light Eyeshadow Palette
Huda Beauty Nude Light Eyeshadow Palette

Huda Beauty Nude Light Eyeshadow Palette

Huda Beauty Nude Light Eyeshadow Palette

Huda Beauty Nude Light Eyeshadow Palette

My first set of swatches belong to the Nude Light palette. This was the first one that really caught my eye because I don’t have anything else like it. All of these swatched so evenly. When applied with a brush, there was some fall out from the shadows. Because they’re so finely milled and soft, I did expect this from the beginning. I personally don’t have an issue with it, but thought it was important to share. The standout shade for me was the shimmering lilac with gold sparkle in the center row, all the way to the right. I wanted to incorporate my entire eye look around that shade because it’s such a fun pop! Purple is one of the few “bold” eyeshadow colors that I actually feel comfortable wearing during the daytime. Blues and greens can sometimes feel a little foreign for work makeup, but I always feel like “myself” in purple tones. I wore this shadow for about 8 hours until I noticed that some of the shimmer did transfer from my lid to my crease. I did wear my NARS eyeshadow primer underneath and usually shadows do hold pretty well with that as a base. I was surprised to notice that this transferred, but it wasn’t anything to significantly sway my favorable opinion of this palette. I love the matte formula a lot! Each shade I tried blended so well, with zero patchiness or uneven pigment. The shimmers were stunning too, but I feel like it’s a lot more rare to find good mattes in these multi-finish palettes. This is my first time trying Huda’s shadows and I was so impressed with her formulation!

Huda Beauty Nude Medium Eyeshadow PaletteHuda Beauty Nude Medium Eyeshadow Palette
Huda Beauty Nude Medium Eyeshadow Palette

Huda Beauty Nude Medium Eyeshadow Palette

Huda Beauty Nude Medium Eyeshadow Palette

Huda Beauty Nude Medium Eyeshadow Palette

The Medium Nude palette was equally as impressive. I was impressed that there was proven consistency spanning from palette to palette. I absolutely LOVE the look I created with this one. I don’t know if it’s because it’s suited for medium skin tones and these shades are naturally more complimentary to me; or if it’s because this is my most used (hence most comfortable) arrangement of color for my every day eye looks. I’m just very drawn to this color story! The only downside to this palette (for me personally) is that there isn’t a matte light highlight shade for underneath the brow bone. That is the only thing that could’ve made this palette a home run for me. I think this one features really thoughtful depth, so you can differentiate shades on your lid even after you’ve blended them. I’ve noticed that more and more brands are creating palettes with colors that are practically duplicates of one other. Then once you have them blended out, you can’t even tell which one you used! I think that’s such a cheap marketing ploy to sell large palettes that are a “better value” when practically half of the shades are nearly the same as the one next to it in the palette. I can tell that all 3 of these palettes were strategically curated and I really appreciate that! These shades wore just as great as the ones I tried in the Light palette. They stay pigmented and vibrant for 10 hours until slightly noticeable fading began.

If you are a neutrals girl and want to add another high quality palette to your collection, then I would definitely recommend the Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions eyeshadow palette to you! For me personally, I didn’t need another eyeshadow palette (or 2…to be exact) but I really wanted to test these for you and get my honest review out there for readers to make an educated buying decision. I’m so happy these worked out for me and I definitely want to try some other products from Huda! I have a sample sized lipliner and lip strobe from the line, but that’s it! Let me know if you enjoy these first impression reviews. I really like writing my initial thoughts on a product as soon as I’m finished testing, so these are really fun for me to write! Which palette did you prefer more? I don’t think I can pick one! I hope you’re all having a wonderful day and look forward to more reviews coming from yours truly! Thank you for reading!

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October Favorites!

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I feel like I always say this, but WOW this month flew by! I feel like this entire year is going by fast. As always, I’m bringing you my monthly round up of the top products I used and loved throughout October! These posts are so much fun for me to write. I get an opportunity to thoughtfully reflect on the things I’ve been using and give insight into application, wear time, etc., which could only be determined over a period time. If you like these types of posts, please “like” and share with your fellow makeup lovers and leave a comment so we can talk about your loves for the month of October!

Milk Makeup Flex Foundation Stick | Sephora, $36.

I’m going to start off this review by stating who may not love this type of foundation stick… If you like full coverage, want your base makeup to look flawless, or have combo/oily skin… I wouldn’t recommend this to you. If you like light coverage, want your face to look natural (freckles still showing, etc) and have dry skin, I think you would love this! I picked up the Milk Makeup foundation stick to wear on days where I do a very minimal routine and need some extra hydration. Now that the Fall and soon-to-be Winter is here, I’ve noticed that my skin is becoming more dry and needs that extra layer of a moisturizing foundation throughout the day! I apply this by drawing lines all over my face, then blending it all out with a flat top brush to get maximum coverage. This is great for the “no makeup makeup” look because your moles and freckles will still show, but you’ll have an even skin tone and can build coverage on areas where you may need additional concealing. I love this for traveling too because it’s in stick form and can easily be applied on the go! I love the shades in this line as well. “Golden Sand” is so complimentary to my olive complexion.

Ilia Soft Focus Setting Powder | Sephora, $34

If you only buy one thing from this post, this is what you need to get! On my quest for finding clean beauty products that perform better than their less natural competitors, I stumbled upon the Ilia translucent powder. This has become holy grail status for me! It is talc-free, which helps my sensitive skin stay clear and healthy! Since using this powder, I have not produced any mila bumps near my eyes and it’s all because of it being talc-free. I’ve become so reliant on this powder and *dramatic statement ahead* but I really don’t like the way my makeup looks whenever I use something different to set my face. This is my one and only to help prolong the wear of my makeup, aide in oil control, and improve the softness of my skin!

PÜR Skin Perfecting Powder After Glow | Ulta Beauty, $26.

I am a complete highlight addict. I own a shameful amount of golden, champagne shimmers that give my face a gorgeous glow! This one from PUR is absolutely stunning! I would describe the shade as a true bright gold that is highly reflective. You’re definitely going to get the “wet look” with this product. A little goes a very long way, so you definitely get your money’s worth! I love using this as an inner corner highlight shade to brighten and widen the shape of my eyes too. The texture is so creamy and finely milled, which makes this a dream to blend! This was a product that honestly shocked me because I haven’t heard it talked about yet. It really encouraged me to check out some more products by PUR!

CoverGirl TruNaked Queenship Shadow Sticks | Ulta, $9.99.

One of my favorite “throw on and go” products are the CoverGirl shadow sticks in the shades “Frivolous” and “Leading Lady”. I love these two colors for different reasons! Frivolous is a super bright rose gold color that has a ton of champagne shimmer throughout. Once applied, this maintains is brilliance throughout the entire day! The glitters do not transfer and the color doesn’t fade as time goes on. Truly impressive for this price point! I love the matte cool brown color in Leading Lady to use as a smoked out eyeliner color on quick makeup days where I need to swipe something across the lids and quickly blend out for an effortless smudged look. The only con to this product is that once is sets, it’s set. These really don’t budge, so you have a short amount of time to blend and manipulate the color in any way before it is completely budge proof on your eyes. There are a few other shades in this line that I’m dying to try, but these 2 have been in heavy rotation throughout the month of October!

Neutrogena Lip Gloss Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine, Berry Brown | Target, $8.39.

As much as I wish I was sharing a bold, cranberry lip color with you for Fall…that’s just not the reality of my daily life! It’s so nice to have a gloss to apply on the go, without having the fear of precision or transfer! This Neutrogena gloss is so hydrating that it honestly gives your lips a plumper appearance, without the stinging sensation that most plumping products will give you! The shade “Berry Brown” has a hint of mauve and a gorgeous warmth, making it a lovely Fall lip color option if you prefer a more natural look! The texture is hydrating without feeling heavy or sticky. You really can’t go wrong with this line of glosses! I own a few different colors and every shade is consistently wonderful.

Thank you so much for reading my monthly favorites for October! These aren’t the most festive products or “on theme” for Fall, but this is what I truly used and never wanted to put down! I hope it gave you some good ideas for products to pick up the next time you’re browsing the isles of Sephora and Ulta. As always, I would LOVE to know the products you’re adoring for the month, so please leave me a comment with your top picks too!

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Warm and Cozy Fall Favorites!

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Is Fall everyone’s favorite season? Because wow, it really seems like we’re all just in complete agreement that this is the best, most beautiful time of year! Of course, I love the way the leaves are changing and how comfortably cool the weather becomes. But….what I really love the most about Fall is how cozy everything starts to get! The thick sweaters, the warm blankets, the flickering, pumpkin scented candles; I’M HERE FOR ALL OF IT! I rounded up a list of my current favorite items for this time of year (non-beauty because that could be an entire blog post in itself). I included a few different categories of products for variety! Let me know if you enjoy reading these non-makeup posts because this was really fun to write!

Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Soap | Acorn Spice

If you’ve never tried Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products, then you are really missing out! They are a clean brand, which also includes being phthalate free, paraben free, cruelty free, and dye free. I have sensitive skin, that dries out easily during this time of year. Most scented soaps aren’t as gentle on my hands, but these feel so luxurious and hydrating. I can’t get enough! I have the scents Acorn Spice (pictured), Apple Cider, and Oat Blossom. I have their multi surface cleaner in a couple of these Fall scents as well and they are lovely! Anything that makes cleaning more enjoyable, right?! I just saw they came out with their Winter scent in Snow Drop, which I haven’t tried yet. I’ll be sure to pick one up and let you guys know if it’s good!

Bath & Body Works | 3 Wick Candles | Marshmallow Fireside and Mahogany and Teakwood

I have repurchased both of these candles multiple years in a row! I don’t think I’ve ever tried to describe scents before, so here is my best attempt! Marshmallow Fireside has a sweet, campfire scent. I can actually detect the marshmallow smell in it, but it still has the outdoor woodsy feel, which helps tone down the sweetness. I love this one so much! I’ve heard Mahogany and Teakwood described as the smell of Abercrombie haha! It does have a more masculine, cologne scent, but it’s so clean and light! It’s a good one to light when you have people coming over because it won’t give an overpowering, heavy throw, which can sometimes cause headaches to those super sensitive to smell. Both of these candles are husband approved too! This packaging is so beautiful too. I’ve been loving their more neutral, modern designs.

Vici Collection | Camel Hat

This precious wool hat gives any outfit a cooler vibe! If you’ve ever wanted to dress up a simple t shirt and jeans look, then I would definitely try incorporating a hat like this into your wardrobe! Even though it has a western style, I still pair this with more bohemian and classic styled outfits. Sometimes I can get a little stressed trying to pick out accessories, but this hat goes with so much that it’s a no brained to add onto casual and more dressy outfits in the Fall! This camel color is so versatile too!

Sam Edelman | Suede Pointed Booties

I just checked online and I can’t find this exact style anywhere! Ugh. The Sam Edelman Welles booties we’re part of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and once they were sold out, I never saw them restocked again. Although I can’t find this exact shoe, I’m going to link some similar versions on my LIKEtoKNOW.it! The main reason I love these so much are because they’re a tan suede, with a gorgeous pointed toe. This helps elongate my otherwise short legs! This color matches so many different outfits and they’re a really comfortable heel height. Sam Edelman is one of my favorite shoe brands because I think they’re consistently putting out high quality shoes at a reasonable price point. I would always wait until their shoes go on sale! I feel like things are always being marked down on Nordstrom and the Sam Edelman website. I never pay full price for this brand of shoes!

Barefoot Dreams | CozyChic Throw

This blanket was one of my top selling items from my blog! You guys loved this Barefoot Dreams blanket in the white and gray stripe! I love wrapping up in this on a crisp October night. It feels like butter and keeps me so warm. Even my husband is obsessed with this fabric! There’s really nothing like it. These blankets can be pricey, but I would check Nordstrom Rack and QVC before buying full price, because you can usually find them discounted at those 2 places! This would make such an amazing Christmas present! I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love getting a blanket! I highly recommend anything from this brand. Everything I’ve tried has been such top tier quality. LOVE Barefoot Dreams, I’m officially obsessed!

Vici Collection | Teddy Bomber Jacket

If I could wear this terracotta color every single day… I would! I’m obsessed with the texture of these Teddy jackets! This one is so incredibly warm and is lined with a matching satin fabric. It has a relaxed fit, cute pockets, and the precious ribbed trim around the bottom and cuffs of the jacket. I just checked their website and it’s currently sold out, but you can have Vici notify you once it’s back in stock, by clicking the “Email Me When More Are Available”. They have it in black and sage! It’s such a great weight for keeping you warm, but not overly insulated when it’s like 55-65 degrees outside! I got so many compliments when I wore this out and I’m excited to keep styling it throughout the rest of Fall!

What did you think about my Fall picks? Do you share any of the same favs? Anything that creates that warm and fuzzy feeling is a must have for me! I would love to know what you use to keep cozy throughout this Autumn season! Leave me a comment with your top picks!

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Zoeva Limited Edition Melody Eyeshadow Palette | Review & Swatches

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Zoeva Melody Eyeshadow Palette

Hello! With so many new eyeshadow palettes releasing at once, it can be a bit overwhelming to sort through the initial hype and find the real gems out there! I (like most people) am drawn to things that are in beautiful packaging. It’s one of the best marketing techniques to put something in appealing packaging on an attention grabbing display. I saw this Zoeva Melody palette online at Ulta. The outer covering is obviously gorgeous with the holographic butterflies and modern font, but the inside is what really got me. The shades range from basic matte neutrals to unique duo chrome shades. I had to have it! In this post, I’ll be explaining the pros and cons of this palette, what I like and don’t like, and whether or not I feel like it’s worth the $28 price tag. Let’s get started!

Zoeva Melody Eyeshadow Palette

Upon first glance, I was impressed that this palette seemed so well balanced. There is a good variety of everyday colors that I would feel comfortable wearing to work, mixed in with some fun pops of purple, green, that would be perfect for a night out! I liked the amount of mattes vs shimmers and felt that the range had enough depth to prevent the colors from blending out to one similar shade after application. Next, I began swatching these colors and realized that they were super buttery and pigmented! The duo chrome shades were so eye catching, as you can see below. Depending on the lighting, they would shift to a different color and create a really cool effect. I liked that this palette offered something different than a lot of my others.

Zoeva Melody Eyeshadow Palette

Shades: (from Ulta’s website description)

• Gowns Swirling (matte porcelain pink with glitter)

• Airy Dalliance (satin delicate apricot)

• Gentle Clasp (satin cool blue with glitter)

• Cocoon of Doubt (satin antique gold)

• Fly Solo (matte cool ash brown)

• From Heaven (duochrome rose satin base with icy blue shift)

• Whirled Above (matte sandy maple brown sugar)

• Crystal Wings (duochrome rust-red satin base with golden green shift)

• Soul Unheld (shimmer golden honey bronze)

• About to Leave (matte rich espresso brown)

In my swatches, you can see how richly pigmented and metallic these shades are. However, once applied to the eyes, they do lose that BAM, in your face, sparkle quality…which is unfortunate, because I personally love glitter! However, for some people, that may be exactly what they want! I don’t want to say that I don’t approve of this palette, because I am happy to have it in my collection and I know I will use it, but I’m not in love with it. Since the shimmers are so finely milled, they translate to more of a satin finish on the eyes. I tried using a dry brush, wet brush, and my fingertip. All tools produced the same effect. A soft, diffused wash of color that differed from the way the shadow appeared in the pressed pan and the way it looks with an arm swatch. It was disappointing only because I expected it to look one way, not because it’s an ugly palette. It did last on my eyes all day and I did get compliments on my makeup, but I just wanted it to be more of a true representation of the shades that were in each pan. I noticed the duo-chromes were the most sheer, which was sad because I was looking most forward to those when I purchased the palette. The mattes are actually a beautiful formula and couldn’t be more blendable. I would love to try a Zoeva palette full of mattes now that I’ve tested this one! If I had to give an actual ranking on this palette, I would say it’s a 6/10 just because it’s not my type. He’s not ugly, he’s just not my type! 😂 If you’re looking for something that’s mainly sheer satin shades with a few buttery mattes, then you would love this palette!

Looking back at the 2 eye looks I created, I think they look pretty and simple, even though I incorporated about 5 different shades in each picture. Again, I’m not blown away by the end result and I’m not telling anyone “You need this palette ASAP!” even though it is limited edition. I would love for every review I bring to you to be glowing and positive, but the reality is, not every product out there is a home fun. I rely heavily on these types of posts to make informed buying decisions and that’s why I wanted to publish this, even though it’s not my new favorite palette! For some, this may be what sways you not to get it and for others, you may see this palette and think “that’s exactly what I’ve been looking for!” It really is all preference and mine is to be full of glitter and high pigmentation at all times haha! Thank you so much for taking the time to read this review and check out my swatches/awkward makeup faces! I would love to know your opinion of this Melody Palette in the comments below. Let me know if there is a better application technique too! I learn from my readers every day, so all input is welcome and encouraged. 😌 Have a great week everyone! See you next Sunday! ❤️

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Where Have I Been? | Life Update

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Hello friends, it’s been awhile. I can’t believe I’ve been away from this community for two years. I’m going to treat this post as if I’m catching up with an old friend. I picture us sipping coffee and softy smiling, as we mutually acknowledge how beautiful life can be. I can’t begin to express the amount of joy that I’ve experienced since my last post. First major life event; I’M MARRIED! Crazy, right? It was definitely all part of God’s unique plan for me, but I met my husband Jonathan in November of 2017 and we began dating shortly after that. In 2018, on the 4th of July, he proposed to me. On November 17th, 2018, we were married. For some, that may seem like a pretty quick turnaround time. For us, we couldn’t wait another day to be husband and wife. He is the most gentle, funny, kind-hearted man that I’ve ever known. He gives me grace when I don’t deserve it and he protects my heart above all. Jonathan keeps Jesus at the center of our marriage and prays with me often. Before I met him, I was aimlessly searching for meaning in my life. I had serious doubts that I would ever find true love and was so nervous at the idea of settling for someone that I didn’t really want to be with. It’s sad, but I didn’t think a man like Jonathan would ever want to be with me. It’s so easy to devalue yourself, when others have treated you poorly in the past. Without a doubt, my husband is the best person I’ve ever known and he inspires me every day. I don’t know who I would be without him as my husband. He’s calmed my anxieties, strengthened my faith in Jesus, and loved me so honestly. He is a remarkable man. I couldn’t help but spend every moment loving him, which consequently took me away from keeping up with my blog.

Engagement Photos

Wedding Photos

I started this blog as a way to make friends and help heal the parts of me that were insecure and afraid. In the past, I’ve magnified my flaws and let a lot of my insecurities guide my decisions. I knew that if I really put myself out there, starting a blog could help me shed my overwhelming fear of rejection. It was scary knowing that if I write about makeup, skincare, hair, style, that there could be some people from my personal life judging me. I’m so grateful that I took a chance on myself and decided to go for it, but I’m disappointed that I’ve been away for so long. I was previously very diligent about posting once (or more) a week. I would look so forward to hitting “Publish” and then meeting up with my readers in the comment section to further discuss what I wrote. Although some time has passed, I hope that if you’re still a reader of mine, you will stick around for the rest of this journey of mine. I have missed you! I’ve missed writing. During this time away, I truly haven’t forgotten the feeling of connecting with you all through this amazing platform that I began in 2016.

With all of that said, I’m hoping to include a mix of all the fun, girly things that my blog was; while combining it with the new interests I’ve developed, such as home decor and recipes! I also hope to share a lot of my new life with Jonathan. He’s the most special person to me and I know you will all love him as well. Thank you for taking the time to read this life update and I will return next week on Sunday, October 6th at 8:00 PM EST. I love you all so much!

P.S.

If you do have any suggestions for future post topics, please comment them on this post and I will happily follow up with your requests! ❤️

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Favorite ColourPop Lip Products!

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I think it’s safe-to-say that ColourPop is blowing up! Not only are they sold on their website and Sephora, but as of today, they are now being sold at Ulta! They are one of my favorite affordable makeup brands because the quality is SO good. Everything that I have ever tried is so pigmented and beautiful! The two lip formulas that I love most are the Ultra Satin and Ultra Glossy Lips. I wanted to show you my favorite shades if you were thinking of purchasing something from one of their three retailers!

Ultra Satin Lips

These are described on ColourPop’s website as, “High pigmentation and a satin-matte finish in liquid lipstick form to keep your lips soft and comfy all day long.” I would definitely agree that they have a comfortable, satin finish that lasts for 4-5 hours, which is very impressive for me! The only downside is that because they aren’t completely matte, they can transfer if you apply too much or skip lip liner. I prefer this formula over their Ultra Matte Lips because these don’t settle into lines or overly dry out the lips. I would highly recommend these to anyone who enjoys the precision of applying a liquid lipstick, but wants more of a hydrating feeling in the formula! There are so many beautiful colors to choose from and at only $6.50, you can afford to buy more than one!

Rever

This is about to be my most worn shade of Summer 2018! It is an orange-red shade that is super vibrant and neon on the lips. I was a bit nervous for this color, just because it isn’t the most wearable, but it surprisingly looks really normal on! I am so excited to pair it with a bronze shadow and peach blush during the warmer months!

Magic Wand

I love this light, pink nude for my every day makeup routine! This is the only lipstick that has the print completely worn off of the packaging! I find that it goes with everything, whether I am doing something natural or more dramatic. I can always trust that it is going to look good! I can pull this off without a lip liner when I am my natural, medium skin tone, but whenever I am self-tanned, I do need to line my lips with a pencil 2-3 shades darker for definition!

Calypso

Remember when everyone wanted the iconic “Kylie Jenner” mauve lip color? This is the closest I have ever come to finding that insanely popular hue. It is described as a mid-tone pink, but I would also add that it has violet undertones. Depending on your skin tone, I could see it pulling either purple or pink; either way, it is going to be stunning!

Frick N’ Frack 

This is such a beautiful rosy, plum color! Maybe it’s just me, but there’s something about the tone of this lipstick that makes my brown eyes stand out! This is one of my favorite “date night” shades because it instantly makes my entire makeup appear more dramatic!

Dreamy

I am going to have this peachy pink shade on repeat all Spring! This is such a fresh, bright color that is very wearable. Sometimes I stray away from pink lip colors because they can look a little unnatural and stark on my olive skin tone, but there is enough warmth from the peachiness within the shade, that it looks really pretty! I do pair this with a nude lip liner underneath to give my lips additional definition!

Ultra Glossy Lips

I am so picky with my lip gloss formulas and at only $6 a piece, these are some of the best I have found within an affordable price range! You cannot beat the pigmentation, silky texture and on-trend shades! ColourPop describes these as, “High shine gloss with just a hint of colour in a moisturizing and non-sticky, comfortable formula.” I completely agree! I have tried both the cream and glitter finish colors and they’re all so beautiful!

Fairy Floss

I love wearing this pale nude gloss over a lip liner to give my lips a really full and hydrated appearance! It is pretty sheer, but it is extremely shiny, with no stickiness! If you like clear glosses, then I would definitely pick this one up to wear over your favorite lip liner!

Finders Keepers

This is my favorite mauve lip gloss ever! I think the color is so stunning on my medium skin tone! It is so creamy and gives such a healthy, shiny look to my lips! I think I am going to wear this all the time in the Spring months for a fresh makeup look!

Moon Child

This is the only ColourPop gloss that I own with glitter in the formula and it is SO good! You cannot feel any of the sparkles (one of my biggest pet peeves) and the formula is so silky! It is a beautiful nude pink, with finely-milled gold glitter throughout! I have worn this over light and dark lipstick shades and it goes with everything!

Thank you so much for reading this post! I am definitely going to get back into my routine of posting weekly. I miss writing so much and I have so many exciting ideas to share with you! As always, I would love to know if there is anything specific that you would like me to review! I also wanted to remind any readers that enjoy my content to follow me on Instagram! I am constantly posting new products and mini reviews! It gives me such a great forum to talk with you instantly and answer any of your questions through DM! Have a great week!

My Most Loved Hair Products!

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When I am thinking about new blog ideas, I try to stick with content that I’m confident in! That is why you mainly see beauty-based posts. I have started to publish more fashion posts and really want to branch out into health and lifestyle writing as well! I get a lot of requests for my favorite hair products, but between you and me… I know zero things about hair! I have picked up tips and tricks from different stylists and I always make sure to ask a lot of questions at my appointments, but I still stick to what I know and don’t branch out too much when it comes to hair products.

Although I may not be super adventurous and monitor every new product release, I have discovered what works and what does not work over the years. To give you a little insight into my hair type, it is pin straight, thin, slightly damaged from having balayage color, and very long in length! When I look for shampoo and conditioner, I search for words like “volumizing, voluminous, thickening” – you catch my drift. I need as much help as I can get when it comes to my flat hair! I also enjoy using products to help reverse my dry ends and the inevitable damage that comes with color treated hair. I only want to continue going lighter (my hair is naturally dark brown) and purple toning shampoo has been my best friend! I gathered the products I use on a daily/weekly basis that I know work great for me and wanted to tell you why they have each been repeat purchases!

Joico, K-Pak Color Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner 

I was encouraged to buy this shampoo and conditioner from a stylist that claimed her overly processed blonde hair was reversed back to it’s original healthy condition after using these two products together! I rotate this shampoo and condition into my weekly routine and I notice such a difference in how shiny and strong my hair feels after! I don’t think this K-Pak line will help with volume, but I still love how gorgeous my hair looks after I use it!

Joico, Body Luxe Shampoo & Conditioner 

This is the daily shampoo and conditioner that I use to keep my hair looking thick and clean! I buy the big mama sizes because I go through this stuff so quickly since I HAVE to wash my hair every day! I wish I could be a dry shampoo girl, but it’s so hard for me to get into! It does a great job at pumping up the thickness of my roots and giving me natural looking, voluminous hair that lasts all day long! I love the scent of the Body Luxe line too!

Rahua, Voluminous Shampoo 

The price tag of this product has me so shook, but I’m also so willing to pay it because I use it sparingly (only for special occasions) and I need the smallest amount to cover my entire head! It has the best natural/minty smell and it gives me super thick and volumized hair. It looks like I have teased my whole head once I finish blow drying after using this shampoo. I notice the biggest “before and after” difference with this product, so I will continue purchasing, but I wish they made it in a larger size that was more affordable per ounce, like Joico does with their liter sized bottles. One day!

Joico, Color Balance Purple Shampoo

I use a purple toning shampoo at least once a week! I apply it all over my head and leave on for 5-10 minutes so it can break down all the brassiness and give me the ashy tone of my dreams! This one does a great job at getting my blonde to be bright and neutral, without looking too gray! I also feel like it doesn’t dry out my hair as badly as some other toning shampoos have in the past! Although I use this for my balayage, I think it would be awesome for natural blondes that just want their hair to have a little added brightness!

Alterna Bamboo Volume 48-Hour Sustainable Volume Spray

This is the only styling product that I use every single day! I spray this on my roots when my hair is slightly damp and once I’m finished blow drying, I’m left with super thick and voluminous hair! I can 100% tell a difference on the days when I use this VS the days that I don’t use it! It is a MUST HAVE! I have repurchased this spray 4-5 times and I have no intention of ever stopping, it is SO GOOD!

I would love to know your most loved shampoo and conditioner combo! If you have fine, thin hair, please leave suggestions for thickening products in the comments! I would love to try something new! Have a great week and thank you for reading!

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