The Beauty Products I'm Using All Month

Now that we are into February, I'm really beginning to feel Winter's harsh effects on my dry pale skin. I don't know about you guys, but this time of year really takes a toll on my self confidence. I've written about this before with some clarity, but I'll admit that at the moment my eczema is the worst it's ever been and I blame the ridiculously dry climate I live in. I want to scratch my legs off!

In an effort to distract from all that, I've been enjoying some rather romantic looking products to bring life to my face. With Valentine's Day in exactly one week, I'm using rosy-toned hues on my eyes, lips, and cheeks. Products with a slight sheen or hint of shimmer are my go-tos this month to add some warmth to my complexion, and also to remind myself that Spring will be here before we know it! Each item is listed below.

1. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter: I love mixing this in with my regular foundation, concentrating on my cheeks for a "lit from within" glow. It's far too glowy for my preference on its own, but when mixed with other foundation it really is a lovely product for instant dewiness.

2. Ouai North Bondi Perfume: I can't get enough of Jen Atkin's The Ouai line, and this soft, beachy scent takes me back to Summer where I always long to be - when my skin isn't dry and itchy!

3. Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palette: I've used this palette so often that I forced myself to take a break from it last month, but now is the perfect time for these warm buttery shades. A little goes a long way because they are so pigmented, but they certainly add just the right amount of definition to the eyes.

4. Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Creme: I keep this in my bag and apply to my hands throughout the day. It's very nourishing without feeling greasy. I linked the large size because the set mine came in sold out during the holidays.

5. Sara Happ Lip Slip: I really can't decide which I prefer more, this or the Laneige Lip Mask, but for the moment this is what I'm reaching for to tame dry lips. It glides on smoothly and just feels SO LUXE. Bonus - it smells divine and lasts for hours.

6. Tarte Exposed Blush: This made all the beauty blogger rounds a few years ago, and it's still one of my favorite Winter blush shades. It brightens up dull, lifeless skin and looks great no matter what other products you use alongside it. Exposed is a timeless neutral blush.

What beauty products are you currently using? I'm always interested to hear what you're loving in Winter. I need all the help I can get!

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Current beauty favorites for Spring

My current Springtime essentials:

1. Make Up For Ever HD Foundation - After testing it out for a couple of weeks, this foundation has really grown on me. I wasn't impressed at first, mainly because I am so in love with my Mat Velvet +. I like a nice, medium coverage to conceal the patches of discoloration I have. However, after a few days, my bias changed and I now love how natural it looks. I still prefer the overall coverage and lasting power of Mat Velvet. That foundation will always be my favorite, but the HD is beautiful for this time of year when I want a more dewy complexion. I think of it as a kicked up tinted moisturizer!
2. UNITE 7 seconds detangler - My soon to be sister-in-law/hair stylist swears by this leave in conditioner at the salon she works in. She got me hooked on UNITE products, and 7 seconds leaves my dry ends looking and feeling much softer and more manageable. I use this right before I blow-dry my hair.
3. Hourglass Ambient Powder - The much raved about face powder on YouTube intrigued me to the point that I had to see what all the fuss was about. Hourglass has a few shades, but I got mine in Dim Light. I sweep this all over my face as a setting powder. It's very finely milled so it doesn't leave me looking powdery or dry, just very natural.
4. Revlon Lip Butters in Juicy Papaya and Pink Lemonade - ADDICTED to these two shades. I wrote a post about juicy papaya here. Pink lemonade is a light peachy pink that's great for everyday.
5. Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer - Let me confess something guys...I tend to get really lazy about applying lotion once the weather heats up. My skin is extremely (and I mean extremely) dry in Winter, but as Spring and Summer come around, my skin becomes more normal. This spray - on lotion is great because it absorbs quickly and has a soft scent. Fast, easy, and it really does moisturize without leaving behind a film.

What are your current Spring beauty favorites?

♥ Noelle

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Fall Beauty Favorites

Now that it's almost Winter, I thought I'd take inventory and let you girls know what products I used consistently throughout the Fall season. I used much less makeup than I thought I would, purely out of laziness I might add. I focused on enhancing features I like, instead of really getting creative and coming up with different looks. I hope this little list of favorites doesn't bore you all, but at least we know what really works.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed is a tawny, natural color that goes with everything. I wore this blush the entire month of November, and so far every single day this month too. I sort of feel guilty for abandoning my other pretty blushes, but this really is a no-brainer. I've also been using it to contour, and I find that I don't even reach for bronzer because this gives my complexion a nice glow on its own.

I'm a huge fan of highlighters in the colder months. Amber Diamond by Dior gets rave reviews on Temptalia, YouTube, Sephora, and on MUA. Women of all ages find that it leaves a soft sheen and not an overly glittery or greasy mess. I think it would be flattering on everyone. I have been using it not only on my cheekbones, but also on the apples of my cheeks. I love it.

{I just wish I could find Laura Mercier's Rose highlighter, it's strikingly gorgeous! If anyone knows where I can get my grabby hands on one, please email me!}

As much as I love my UD Naked palette, this one by Too Faced has won me over. The colors are soft and eye brightening. I have been reaching for these shadows over any others in my collection. They all work together to create the perfect naked eye. I use this palette mainly for work.

I've already talked about the Maybelline Define -A-Brow and my Kirkland spoolie brush from Costco. These are the tools I use to amp up my eyebrows.

As for lips, I haven't been reaching for one in particular. I try to wear a different lipstick every day. Favorites include the Revlon Lip Butters, my MAC lipsticks in See Sheer and Shy Girl, a lip stain by TheBalm, Stila's Paramour, and lip balms from Korres, Victoria's Secret, and Fresh.

Let's see what products Winter has in store :)

♥ Noelle

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Seasonal Beauty Favorites ~ Spring

It officially became Summer this week, and the hotter than hot temps in California were quick to remind me. I can't believe it's almost July! I still don't know where time goes.

To say buh-bye to Spring, here are the products that I used on a daily basis.

Palettes for easy eyeshadow on the go

Creme blush to get in the mood for Summer

New mascara must-haves that gave my lashes more volume than ever before

MAC's Perfect Topping MSF, a total steal at a CCO

Soliel Tan de Chanel creme bronzer to accentuate cheekbones

An unhealthy obsession with coral/orange nail polish

These babies all got me through Spring, and now we shall see what keeps me looking cool through Summer.

What were your go-to beauty products?

Happy Friday!

♥Noelle

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Seasonal Beauty Favorites ~ Winter

Now that Spring is literally knocking on my door, I've come to the realization that I can almost kiss Wintertime goodbye! Anyone who knows me will atest to the fact that I'm not a cold weather girl. I'm happiest outside in the sun, wearing little dresses and sandals. My beauty routine is much easier in the Spring and Summer. I don't have to worry as much about chronic dry skin and static-prone hair. However, because I'm a beauty addict, I will admit that I'll miss Winter. I can pile things on more freely in the colder temperatures. Here are the products that I was happy to pile on my face and body over the past three months:

My skin gets so dry and itchy during Winter! This Vaseline lotion helped immensely. As soon as I got out of the shower, I slathered this on my arms and legs.

I know. The Naked palette has been so-very-popular on the blogs, that I'm sure everyone is rolling their eyes at mere mention of it. But, I wore this almost every single day. I still do. My faves? Virgin, Sin, Buck, and Toasted.

Bella Bamba blush by Benefit, a pretty watermelon that brightened my pale skin.

I wore a lot of bright or red lipstick this season. I'm so happy that colorful lips are still on trend for Spring/Summer. More on that in an *upcoming post*

Sugar Rose Lip Treatment by Fresh. This feels as smooth as buttah. Look at how much I have left? I'm so sad =(  I think next time I'll try the regular clear shade.

I became very aware of my skin concerns and needs. I SWORE by Philosophy's Microdelivery mini peel pads. I only used them once a week, but my skin's texture really improved. I also SWORE by Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. It's so rich and moisturizing. These products will still be with me in the upcoming months. Maybe forever!

Other than these staples, I mixed and changed products seamlessly, which is mostly because I am trying to use what I already own. I am so excited for Spring!

What did you use frequently over Winter? What are you looking forward to using come Spring?

♥ Noelle

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