I can't believe March is already coming to a close! 2015 is seriously flying by, although I think my desire for warm weather has probably been responsible for some of it. I tried to keep my round up a little more manageable than last month's, although there are a ton of products that I've been testing and enjoying lately that I hope to be able to talk about soon. In the meantime, let's get down to business and take a closer look at some of the stand out products I've been using in the past month!
Makeup. All right, guys. I don't think I've had a chance to talk about this product yet, but HOLY CROW is it a game changer! When it comes to foundation, buffing brushes have been my preferred tool for application. However, I've noticed that with some formulas, (especially lighter ones) sometimes they can either sheer out the coverage too much or even make the finish a little streaky. I haven't wanted to buy into all the hype around the Beauty Blender, but I realized that maybe a sponge would be useful to own, especially for building up coverage in targeted areas of my face. I decided to start out with the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge ($6), which I picked up at my local Kohl's for essentially nothing thanks to some handy coupons. After my first time using this I was totally sold. It seriously gives your skin the most perfectly flawless finish and is incredibly easy to use! Just writing this mini review is making me realize I might need to devote an entire post to it because it's blown my mind that much. Yeah.
Speaking of foundation, I've been totally loving the new L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation ($12.99). It wears incredibly well and actually manages to stay quite matte all day, even without powder. The only thing that bums me out about this line is that the shade range is quite limited. I ended up buying two shades (101 and 104) which I blend together to get a custom shade that better suits my skin tone. Thankfully it's not too expensive (especially with a little shopping savvy). In addition to the product being quality, I also really like the packaging. The squeeze tube is SO much easier to use than a glass bottle (especially one sans pump) and I feel like it actually has a very high-end look to it.
When it comes to actual high end makeup, I've basically become obsessed with the Becca Beach Tint in Guava ($25). I recently impulse purchased the Best of Becca Collection from Ulta, and it may have been one of the best buys I've made all year (you can see my review of it here). I honestly could have included the entire set in my favorites because I like every product so much, however, since I figured I should pick one, I think the Beach Tint is sits at the top of the list. It's sheer, luminous, and gives your cheeks the most perfect, natural pink flush. It also smells kind of amazing (unsurprisingly, like guava). Also, I once again give the squeeze tube a thumbs up! Creme products in pots or tubes with doe foot applicators always make me a little nervous in the contamination department. So yay for hygienic beauty products!
My last makeup favorite from this month is probably no shocker. I've been all about the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara ($8.99) from pretty much the moment I tried it. For a drugstore mascara that costs less than $10 it's basically amazing. It makes your lashes look full and super dramatic, without being spidery or clumpy. It also lasts incredibly well and doesn't flake or smudge. If you want to see a more in depth review, check out this recent post that I wrote about it.
Hair. All things considered, this has been a pretty unexciting and low key hair month for me. I've been trying to use up bottles of Organix shampoo and conditioner that I'm not totally in love with, and it's been taking FOREVER. On the inbetween days I've been washing with the samples I got of the L'Oreal OleoTherapy Shampoo & Conditioner ($6.99) and I really, really love them. Even though I'd describe myself as having fine, straight hair with oily roots, I've found this formula to work really well for me. It gets my hair clean without making it feel stripped but also doesn't leave it feeling weighed down. I've got a bit of a shampoo and conditioner stock pile saved up, but eventually I will definitely be purchasing the full sizes of these!
Another unexpected favorite from this month was the Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Creme Oil ($22.95). I got this sample in my Ipsy Glambag and ended up loving it more and more as I used it. First off, the smell. I seriously can't get enough. It reminds me of the scent of Macadamia's Healing Oil Spray, which I also love. If you're a fan of warm, ambery fragrances then this will probably be right up your alley as well. It also, you know, works pretty fantastically, too! I feel like it really smooths out my hair and helps it to be a bit more bouncy and manageable. The only weird thing about it is that I think it leaves a shimmery residue on my hands after I apply it. Maybe it has light reflective particles to help make your hair appear more shiny? I'm not entirely sure. Still, I dig it, and when there's a sale on Sexy Hair products at ULTA or my local drugstore, I might just have to buy the full size.
Bath, Body & Skincare. So this is a bit of a weird one for me, but I thought it was totally worth sharing because it's great! I started a new stick of Dove Advanced Care Shea Butter Deodorant ($6.99) and it's kind of the bomb. Not only does it smell wonderful, but it actually feels really soft and nourishing on my underarms. Let's be real, no one wants to have dry, irritated armpits, especially with tank top weather approaching, and some deodorants can just be way too harsh. Yes, if you're doing a serious work out you may need something with a little more oomph, but if you're looking for an everyday deodorant, I highly recommend checking this one out!
Another product that is must-have as we transition into spring is the The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Scrub ($20). I use this prior to shaving to get my skin feeling extra smooth and it's basically wonderful. It's super scrubby, but also still creamy and luxurious feeling. Best of all, it doesn't leave any greasy residue behind on your legs that will clog up your razor 10 seconds into shaving (you know you've been there. The struggle is real.).
I haven't changed up much in the way of my skincare routine from last month, so I don't have as much to share in that department for now. However, I did want to spread some love for the No 7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser ($11.49), which is a fantastic dupe for the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (that you can read more about here). It's such a luxe feeling product that does a fantastic job of removing makeup and getting your skin clean that won't cost you an arm and a leg.
Last but certainly not least is something I've been sporting on my fingers this month, Zoya Nail Polish in Blu ($9). If you follow me on Instagram you'll have seen me rocking it along with my favorite LC Lauren Conrad Midi Rings a few weeks back. For a pastel polish, its actually really well pigmented, and dries to a perfect opaque finish with two coats. I think it's a perfect shade for spring, and is not too in your face as far as blues go, making it really easy to wear.
And there you have it! I have to say, I'm really more and more impressed with the quality of things coming out of the drugstore. It's awesome that you can find beauty products that perform without having to spend an arm and a leg. I've also got a few things that I just picked up recently and haven't tried enough to write about yet, but hopefully will be able to share with you soon.
What are some of your favorite products from the past month? Is there anything I should be on the lookout to try in April?
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