March Favorites 2014

Happy April everyone! I hope it has been treating you well so far. We had a few nice days here in Philadelphia, but it looks like it’s going to be a rainy weekend. (April showers bring May flowers, right?) Last month I found myself reaching for the same old stuff a lot, so nothing too new and exciting is featured this month. These are all products I really do love though, and I’m sure I’ll continue to love for awhile! I find spring so refreshing, especially when it comes to make up. Keep reading to see what I’ve been loving.

the Balm Staniac and Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker- Lip duo of the month!! The balm Staniac is really similar to Benefit’s Benetint, but the formula is more like a gel, than a liquid. It is the most beautiful berry red color. The staying power is amazing, making it great for parties/dates/life. I like to top it with a little of this Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker. It is just a lip balm, but it has the slightest red ting to it, very similar to Staniac. I find the color really flattering for my skin tone. In love.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash- If you saw my empties, then you know I finished my in shower cleanser. To replace it, I picked up this Vitamin E cleanser from The Body Shop. It’s simple, which is exactly what I wanted. The smell is a bit strong for me (kind of like baby powder) but that isn’t too much of a probably. It is very thick, almost like a lotion, which keeps my skin hydrated.

NARS Laguna/Orgasm Duo- This is one of the first items I purchased when I started really getting into make up. Rather than buying a full size of each, I picked up the duo with a smaller size of each shade. I’m amazed how long it has lasted me, since I use it pretty often. This past month, it’s been the only thing I’ve been using. Orgasm goes so well with every look, it’s just easier to use it than rummage through my stash. Laguna is the perfect shade to bronze my skin a bit, and contour just slightly (I’m pretty bad at it). I love having both, and the full size mirror when I travel.

Air Repair Rescue Balm- This little sample from Air Repair was in my March Birchbox. Now I want to start with the smell. Maybe it’s just me, but this smells like GIN. Which….I LOVEEEEE. I am pretty sure this product can be used anywhere on the body, but I’ve found myself using it mostly on my lips and cuticles. This product has helped keep my lips hydrated and less flaky. A little goes a long way, so any extra I massage into my cuticles.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush- I’m not sure why it took me so long to put this in a favorites!! I mentioned awhile back my most used brushes, but it deserves more love. Real Techniques brushes are amazing, but this Expert Face Brush is my favorite, BY FAR. I use this brush every morning with my Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation. It blends perfectly, and is overall just great quality for the price!!

Andalou Naturals Clarifying Pure Pore Serum- I have finally found a product helping me with my large pores. As you may know, I love natural products because I think they help the skin so much more than anything else! This serum from one of my favorite companies, Andalou Naturals has helped decrease my large pores on my cheeks and nose. It soaks into the skin quickly so I can follow up with a moisturizer.

Tess Galen

March Favorites 2014