August Favorites

It's September... oh my goodness we are so close to fall. To say that I am excited is a bit of an understatement... I FREAKING LOVE FALL. Though growing up in Florida had it's obvious perks, it did deprive me of really experiencing the four seasons. Now, after living in the Midwest for three years I have come to realize how much I love fall. I am SO excited for Halloween and Thanksgiving (my two favorite holidays), the leaves changing colors, crisp cool weather, tall boots, cable knit sweaters, scarves... I mean I could go on and on. 

Anyways, back to the favorites. 

1. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Toner

I have been using this toner for the past six or seven months and this is my second or third bottle. I love what this product does to my skin. After I cleanse, I put a bit of this on a cotton pad and wipe down my entire face. It doesn't burn, instead it leaves a very cooling and refreshing sensation on the skin. I have a bit of hyper-pigmentation, so I love a good hibiscus toner. Hibiscus is a natural skin brightener, and this toner does a good job at really balancing the skin without stripping it of moisture. I wouldn't say that this is a miracle toner, but I definitely notice a difference if I skip this step in my regimen.

2. Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30

This product should also be known as my-holy-grail-go-to-daily-moisturizer. I have been using this moisturizer for two years now. It is everything that I want and need in a daily moisturizer. First of all, it is extremely light-weight and it has SPF 30. Bravo Neutrogena. Before I discovered this moisturizer, I had the most difficult time finding a light weight non greasy moisturizer with SPF. I don't remember how many low and high end brands that I tried, but it was a lot and everything would break me out. Not this guy. Second, it helps clear dark spots. I didn't get this moisturizer for that purpose, so when I noticed the difference in my skin it was a lovely little bonus. Clearing dark spots does take time (I noticed a huge difference after 2 months), but be patient and I promise you too will notice a difference. 

3. Trader Joe's Coconut Body Butter

I discovered this little gem back in April, when I was in my friends wedding. We were getting ready and I noticed that my legs were dry. (Can't have that!) My friend let me borrow this, and the rest is history. This stuff is SO moisturizing! I like it better than ...dare I say it... my Body Shop Butters. I know, I know, but this stuff really is fantastic. It's thick, creamy, absorbs quickly into the skin, and it's not greasy. Plus it's only $4.99 at Trader Joe's. The only potential negative quality is the scent. Personally I don't mind the scent at all, but I know how sensitive people can be when it comes to scents. It smells like vanilla and coconut (more vanilla than coconut) and it doesn't linger on the skin so you can definitely wear other things over it without them clashing.

4. Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Concealer and Correcter

This has been a really good everyday under eye concealer. Maybelline claims this product will "Visibly reduce the appearance of dark circles, spots, and imperfections in just 3 weeks."... Mmmmmm I don't know about all of that, but I will say that it does do a really good job at covering up dark circles. It has a very creamy consistency and feels light weight on the skin which is what I look for in an under eye concealer. 

5. Milani Baked Powder Blush, Luminoso

This blush is no secret and has been all over the internet for a while now. I'm sure you have read or seen reviews, and really I have nothing new to add. I love this blush, it is the perfect spring/summer shade.  I picked it up at the beginning of last summer after seeing all of the positive reviews, used it all summer, and did the same thing this year.

6. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

(Please excuse my well loved and scratched bottle)

This mascara is also no secret to the beauty world. It is truly one of the best drugstore mascaras that I have ever used. It might be a little too bold for an everyday look for some people, but I love it! This makes my lashes look so full and beautiful. For everyday wear, I will use only this on my eyes and it looks great. 

What are you loving at the moment?

XO, 

Mimi