Hello there my beautiful friends! I feel like it's been a million years since I've sat down and written a blog post, which just goes to show how much technology skews our perception of time. March was a bit of a crazy and stressful month for me out in the "real world", and to be honest, I just needed some time away from my computer to recharge my batteries. It's crazy the amount of guilt I feel for essentially giving myself a month off from my blog. There is so much pressure to post to social media every day, to write blog posts multiple times a week, to promote them, to read other people's content, to pin, to share, and to basically absorb every second of your free time in blog-related business. And quite frankly, home girl just wanted to read a book. To cuddle. To veg out on the couch and watch The Office entirely guilt-free.
The truth of the blogging world is that there is immense pressure to be on your A-game every moment of every day if you want even the smallest chance of making it big. Unlike a 9 to 5, the internet never sleeps and knows no difference between a Monday and a Saturday. The lines between "work time" and "me time" become so blurred that all time that isn't "work time" feels like wasted time. But, here in America anyway, burnout is a mark of dedication. If you aren't exhausting every fiber of your being you aren't deserving of success. Even though I know that sounds crazy, I'm also aware of how much I've been buying into that philosophy. Of course I'm willing to work hard, but at what cost? Where's the admiration for balance? For time spent connecting with others in the flesh?
Before I overstay my place here on this soapbox, let me just say that I love you guys, and I love chatting beauty with you. I love the brands that I've worked with, and so many of the awesome products that they've made. I love this space that I've created for myself and for you guys to learn and share and have some fun. My absence is definitely not for lack of desire to be a beauty blogger. Just a desire to rediscover the parts of me that have felt lost along the way.
SO, now that we've had our little heart-to-heart, let's lighten things up a little bit. Even though I've been a little less beauty-focused as per late, I've still discovered a few awesome products that I wanted to share with you all. Let me give you the scoop!
Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation ($5.99) // After hearing everyone rave about this foundation, I had to go and try it out for myself. Needless to say I was NOT disappointed. With medium to full coverage and a beautiful satin finish, you would never guess it's got a $6 price tag.
Wet N Wild Photo Focus Pressed Powder ($4.99) // I was equally impressed by the setting powder from the Photo Focus range, which locks down your makeup and makes your skin look incredibly flawless. I also appreciate that it doesn't have a ton of kickback in the pan, which means way less mess on my vanity.
Wet N Wild Mega Glo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals ($4.99) // THIS HIGHLIGHTER THO. Seriously, I can't get over how gorgeous it is. And it's only $5!! This has the peachy gold tone of Becca's Champagne Pop, mixed with a pink base and it's just all the way stunning. It'll look BOMB on tanned skin especially!
Wet N Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick in Coral Corruption ($4.99) // As you can see, I had a bit of a Wet N Wild moment in March. Per the recommendation of my favorite YouTubers I also grabbed this new liquid lipstick so I could fully appreciate what all the fuss was about. This is seriously one of the most long wearing matte liquid lipstick formulas that doesn't crack, crumble, or totally dry out my lips.
Fiona Stiles Matte Finish Foundation Concentrate ($30) // Apparently March might as well be called "YouTube Made Me Buy It" Month because I also picked up this foundation after hearing Tati from Glam Life Guru rave about it. As someone with oily skin this might just be my all time favorite mattifying foundation. It makes your skin look flawless and really does control shine.
Glo Minerals Mattifying Primer ($34) // Earlier this month I shared a review of a few products sent to me from Glo Minerals, and while I've been enjoying all of them, the Mattifying Primer has earned the gold star for the month. Not only does this help to minimize the appearance of my pores, but it also soaks up oil throughout the day and keeps me feeling way more shine-free than usual.
Bareminerals Gen Nude Matte Liquid Lipcolor in Weekend ($18) // After hearing so many great things about these liquid lipsticks, I had to take advantage of their sale price during the ULTA 21 Days of Beauty Event. This has to be one of the most comfortable matte lip color formulas I've ever worn AND it smells like a Tootsie Roll.
Formula 10.0.6 Berry Be Fresh Balancing Mud Mask ($6.99) // I definitely have amassed quite the collection of Formula 10.0.6 face masks, and for good reason - they're super affordable, super fun, and help to keep my skin looking clear and happy (not to mention the fact that they smell pretty darn amazing).
KL Polish ($8.50) // I've been watching Kathleen's YouTube channel for years, and I give her major props for launching her own nail polish brand. Not only is it totally inspiring, but she also knocked her signature product totally out of the park.
Even though March was a bit of a weird and stressful month for me, I've got my eyes looking forward towards a better and brighter April. While I know I have a bit of lingering guilt for not getting as much accomplished as I would have liked in the past couple of weeks, I'm trying to respect the idea of meeting myself where I'm at. When your body and mind are telling you you need to slow down, it's important to listen. It can be tough to make a choice to prioritize yourself over your hobbies, your work, your business, or anything else that matters in your life, but its usually totally worth it in the long run. I'm feeling way more relaxed and revitalized than I was a few weeks ago and so much more ready to be creative and have some fun! So thank you to all of you who have been so supportive and understanding with my being relatively absent. I hope you're as excited as I am to pick this party back up where it left off!
What products were you loving in March?
*This post contains affiliate links. For more information regarding my affiliations and disclosures click here.
