Recent Favorites | Summer 2016

Look at me, dropping the ball once more...So I skipped June Favorites, and now we're nearing July...And I have too many things to talk about! So I'm just going to bombard you with my recent favorites and we won't have another clusterfuck post like this until August. Ready? Ok!

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover & Cleanser - I thought I would test this out when I ran out of my last bottle of the Simple Micellar Water, but these don't work the same at all. That being said, I don't use it to refresh my skin, or cleanse on lazy mornings as this product is a BIT oily, but that is exactly why it is an excellent makeup remover. For everything. One large exfoliating cotton pad well soaked and boom, effective makeup removal. Of course I do cleanse afterwards like I would with any other product of the sort. I might just pick their regular cleansing water (the non waterproof one in the pink bottle), and see if that could maybe a good substitute for the Simple one...

Nip+Fab Glycolic Scrub Fix - This exfoliator though... I'm usually not big on using them, especially when they're physical exfoliators (with scrubby parts as opposed to chemical), since I use my Clarisonic on the reg, but sometimes you just need a little TLC. This bad boy, which is from the drugstore (can I get an Amen?), does have little scrubby parts, but they are not harsh at all, but it also helps retexture, brighten, refine and renew the skin thanks to glycolic and salicylic acid. God sent. Trust.

Alba Hawaiian Complexion Balancing Hibiscus Facial Toner - I was very sad to run out of my Kensington Apothecary Sake Skin Detox Tonic, but needed to tighten the belt a little recently, so I was browsing my options at Target... I still wanted something natural, that would actually DO something to my skin, which can be a bit tricky with toners. I took a chance on this guy, since I've heard of the brand, but never this product. I feel squeaky clean (but not tight) after and it really is balancing. Helps purify and refresh without drying out your skin. I'm into it. Oh and you can get it at the drugstore or Target!

Clarisonic Mia Fit + Radiance Brush - Meet your new traveling best friend. As much as I prefer the results of the Clarisonic Smart Profile, it would take quite a bit of space in my luggage...And the thought of not using a Clarisonic at all for more than a few days at a time is horrifying. Now, don't get me wrong, the Mia is great (I started off with the original years ago) and I would highly recommend it for regular use if you don't want to make a bigger investment. There's just something about the Smart brush that gives my skin the best results. That being said, this tiny device still delivers the same benefits that Clarisonic is all about (cleansing up to six times better than hands alone). The new Fit version offers two new speed settings which help keep my skin in check while I'm abroad. It came with the Radiance brush and cleanser which I quite enjoy. Bright, clear skin, on the go! Sound investment.

Sonia Kashuk Dramatically Defining Long Wear Gel Liner - I don't wear liner quite enough to invest in the likes of Bobbi Brown or Inglot, which I know are leaders in their category. Trying to find a drugstore product that held up was a bit of a challenge. Nothing seemed to be quite dramatic enough (pigment wise) or budge/smudge free. However, this liner has yet to fail me. Blackest black, smooth texture that's easy to work with and won't transfer unto your lid or anything. Dramatic and long wearing indeed.

Sephora Pro Bent Liner Brush #23 - In conjunction with the Sonia Kashuk Liner; precision, precision, precision. Winged liner made easy with the added control of that perfectly angled brush head. Also the "hairs" are dense and hard enough to ensure a fluid, streak-free line. Definitely a great brush for beginners and experts.

Covergirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick in Maroon Meow - Yes it's summer, yes this is a bit of a vampy shade, but I've been wearing this all day everyday. If you're not into brights or nudes, this is kind of the perfect summer dark lip (if that makes sense?). It's not too gothy and pairs beautifully with bronzy makeup...The formula is great, non-drying, and pretty long lasting for a good ol' tube lipstick. I always get compliments on it and people are always surprised when I tell them it's Covergirl. Thank you Katy Perry. Meow!

 Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer in Light Bronzer - First of all, THE SMELL!! I die. It's summer in a compact, I can't even compute. Beachy, coconutty goodness. On top of that (honestly, even if the shade didn't suit me, I would still be happy I bought it, because just sniffing it makes my day better. Aromatherapy. Legit). The texture, well it's in the name, BUTTAH, girl! Sooo buttery smooth. But the butter in the name is actually in reference to the Murumuru butter that's in there, which is probably what helps make is smell delicious and glide on so beautifully on the skin. It's matte, but hydrating, buildable, and insanely flattering on my fair complexion. This shade would actually work great on many skin tones (at least fair to medium) as you can easily control how heavy an application you'd like...Fair girls, fear not, this product will make you look like a bronzed Goddess and not an Oompa Loompa. God bless.

Well that's it! Wasn't SO bad afterall, was it? There are also things I've already talked about that would be added to this list and a few things I'm reserving because they really deserve their own individual post, so stay tuned!

Talk to you soon,
-Xoxo, Val

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