Products I Love - My Top 5 Favorite Lush Products

I'm a huge Lush fan. All-natural, hand-made, never tested on animals, amazing scents, real ingredients - what's not to love? I can honestly say I've never purchased something from Lush that I didn't like. Unfortunately, the closest Lush store to me isn't all that close, so every time I get a chance to pop into the store I pick up my old favorites and try out some new things as well. I have several Lush products that are a part of my regular routine, and some that I save for special occasions or pamper nights. 

On a regular basis, I use their Breath of Fresh Air Toner. Don't let the word "toner" throw you off - this is basically just a facial mist. It's not at all drying and doesn't have any alcohol in it like a lot of traditional toners. Facial mists are so refreshing; I love to use this during the summer when it's super hot outside. It's made with seawater, seaweed extract, & aloe vera so it's very soothing and moisturizing. I spritz this onto clean skin and then follow up with a moisturizer. 

Another favorite of mine is the Ocean Salt Face & Body Scrub. I keep this in my shower and use it weekly on my body. It's made with sea salt, lime, and vodka so it's refreshing and gives your skin a very deep clean, but it also has avocado and coconut to keep skin moisturized. When my face is feeling particularly dry, I use this as a facial scrub, too. I love the smell of this! Reminds me of the beach.

One of my favorite cleansers to use in the morning is Angels on Bare Skin. I have very dry skin, so while I remove my makeup and cleanse with a more heavy-duty cleanser at night, in the mornings, I like to use something gentle and moisturizing. I don't like to strip my skin of necessary oils in the morning. This cleanser doesn't really lather or foam up like some cleansers, and because of the ingredients and consistency, it gently exfoliates as well. 

My new favorite from Lush is the Ro's Argan Body Conditioner. I picked this up a few weeks ago and I have been obsessed with it since then. This is a shower lotion. Yes, a shower lotion. This is meant to be applied to damp skin while you're still in the shower and then rinsed off before getting out of the shower. This. Smells. So. Good. I could smell this all day. It's made with rose, cocoa butter, almond and Argan oils. I'm pretty lazy when it comes to moisturizing my skin after a shower and this becomes a bigger issue in the winter when my skin is much drier. Slathering this on in the shower and rinsing it off quickly is much easier and it leaves my skin so soft and hydrated. I have used this every other shower and I have not had any dryness at all. It was a little pricey at almost $35 for about 8 and a half ounces, but I will definitely be repurchasing this. It was totally worth the price to me - it feels so luxurious on the skin, smells amazing, and really works. Also, it doesn't take much to really moisturize a large portion. I still have more than half of the pot left and I've been using this for several weeks now. 

My last Lush staple is their Butter Ball Bath Bomb. I love to try out all their seasonal bath products, but this is one that I always pick up to use when I feel like a nice luxurious bath. It smells so good - like creamy vanilla and cocoa butter. This fizzes up as soon as you drop into your bath, makes the whole room smell like warm vanilla, and rehydrates skin that may have been dehydrated by a hot bath. I keep a few of these in my bathroom and they scent the entire room. 

I love making a trip to the Lush store to see what new bath bombs they have and any other products I need to try. Let me know what you can't live without from Lush!

Until next time! xoxo

Products I Love: BeautyBlender & BlenderCleanser

I'm in love with my beauty blender!! I was holding out for quite a while and using off-brand (Sephora, Ulta, etc.) beauty sponges, and I did NOT know what I was missing. This has totally changed the look of my makeup, particularly my foundation. It blends foundation, tinted moisturizer, concealer, and whatever else seamlessly and it's amazing on my dry skin. I know I'm a little late to the party on this one, but if you're like me and you've been holding out because of the hype or the price, I'm telling you it's worth it! It's definitely not your average makeup sponge. I guess it's the material they used, but its so soft and bouncy and it just blends foundation so well and pushes it directly into your skin instead of smearing it around. I have been using mine for a few months now and I still love it so much.

I rinse it out before using and just squeeze most of the water out - leaving it a little bit damp. I dot my foundation onto my skin and then use the damp sponge to blend it in. Then, I repeat the same steps with my concealer. I use the larger end for foundation and the larger parts of my face and the tapered end for under eye concealer so I can easily blend it under my eyes and in the inner corners. 

I got mine at Sephora for around $20 and it has lasted me several months. I just recently picked up the BlenderCleanser Solid which is actually just a little bar of soap formulated for the beauty blender. It's supposedly safe to use with it because it doesn't damage the material. I have heard that if you try to use regular soap or brush cleaner, it can dissolve the material and take chunks out of the sponge. I was a little hesitant to buy the soap, I actually thought to just buy a whole new beauty blender instead (it's only about $5 more), but I picked up a sample with my VIB points and it cleans the sponge SO well! After I was finished washing it, it looked brand new. Definitely worth buying, and you could (and probably should) clean it bi-weekly or so and your beauty blender will probably stay in really good condition.

Have you caved and tried this famous sponge? Let me know your favorite foundation-application methods below and how you clean your makeup sponges!

Until next time! xoxo

November Favorites

It's officially December! I love November - it's so festive and gets me ready for the holidays and colder weather. I tried out quite a few new products in November and I wanted to share my favorites with you...

Beauty Favorites:

Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in "light porcelain." I mentioned this in my October Favorites but I'm still loving it! Don't let the name scare you off - this can be really nice when applied correctly (even on dry skin). 

Benefit High Beam liquid highlighter. I picked up the cutest "Cheek Me Out" set of high beam and posietint samples at Ulta. This highlighter is SO beautiful! It's a "satiny pink" liquid/gel formula, similar to their lip and cheek stains. I use this on my cheek bones and the outer edges of my brow bones as a natural dewy highlight. I have ditched all other highlighters during November because I can't get enough of this. It's super easy to apply with fingers, a foundation brush, or even a stippling brush and it lasts all day. I'll definitely be purchasing the full size when this runs out!

Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow - Shimmer in No. 48 Faux Fur. This is a taupe/bronze color and it has just the right amount of shimmer. I've been wearing this all over the lid and blending up into the crease for a one-shadow eye makeup look. By blending it into and above the crease, I'm able to create the look of 2 shadows with just this one. It's shimmery but not too glittery, definitely subtle enough for a daytime look. These shadows are smooth and velvety and blend really well. I will definitely be looking at other shades in this formulation.

Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow in Faux Fur

Nyx Butter Lip Balm in Panna Cotta. I included a few of these in my giveaway because I love them. Most of the time I can't be bothered with lip glosses and lipsticks and pencils - it's too much. Also, my lips get very dry so lipsticks aren't always the best option. I typically stick to simple chapsticks or lip balms, so this product is perfect. It adds color but it's super creamy and moisturizing like a balm. I went back to Ulta and picked up every shade I could get because I love these so much. I would recommend these to anyone!

Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss. Speaking of dry lips... this has saved mine! As you can see by the packaging, I carry this around in my handbag at all times. It's a soft and creamy butter inside the tin, and it smells amazing. The best part is that it actually works. It sinks into my lips and deeply hydrates them. I wear this all day and often swipe the Nyx butter lip balm over top for extra moisture & color. It's simple, affordable, and perfect to throw in a handbag, nightstand, desk, etc.

Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream - another handbag essential! I've almost used this tube up during November because my hands get incredibly dry. This is a quick fix - my skin absorbs this lotion immediately and it's super hydrating. It has a subtle, fresh scent but it's not overpowering or obnoxious. I keep this with me to keep my hands from drying out and cracking from cold wind, or exposure to direct heat from a fireplace or heater. It gets rid of rough patches right away and doesn't sting or burn. I love Bliss products and this does not disappoint. 

Non-Beauty Favorites:

I've been loving a new TV show this month. I don't typically tune in to CNN on a regular basis, but I've been recording this show and I'm addicted. It's called This is Life with Lisa Ling. I love Lisa Ling and the way she reports and tells stories and this show is so interesting. Unfortunately, I couldn't find this on Netflix, yet, but you can watch full episodes on CNNgo. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you're into other cultures, different ways of life, and learning about some ways other people live.

I've also been loving my Rue Violet Sleep Mask. I've always been a fan of sleep masks but this one is by far my favorite. It's super soft and lightweight, but thick enough to keep out all the light. The underside of this mask is made from terrycloth so it's comfy and soft. I have very watery eyes, especially at night, and the terrycloth absorbs the moisture so it doesn't irritate my skin. The elastic band is soft and stretchy and the patterns are really cute. The best part about these sleep masks are the price. I got mine off Easy for under $8. These are also machine washable, which is nice. A nice stocking stuffer for someone who loves their sleep or travels frequently - definitely a flying staple. 

I've been obsessed with this Starbucks Acrylic Tumbler. I drink a lot of hot tea, and in cold weather it's nice to be able to take it to-go. This tumbler is really cute, with silver beads and a pink lid. It keeps my beverages hot for hours and it's large enough to hold 16 oz. For just under $12, it's a steal, too. Great stocking stuffer or gift!

My last non-beauty favorite is actually a set - the Chronicles of Narnia Book Series and movies have kept me entertained all month. During November I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and The Silver Chair. Unfortunately, only the first 3 have been made into movies, but I love the movies just as much as the books (for once)! The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the perfect winter/holiday movie. Young and old alike can enjoy this series. 

What were your November favorites? What made November memorable for you this year?

GIVEAWAY - Products I Love (closed)

**Giveaway is now closed**

I've reached my first blogging milestone and I wanted to do a giveaway to thank my viewers. I have tried (and loved) all of the products in the giveaway and wanted to share them with you. Thank you for your views, your tweets, your comments, and support! I would love to continue to do this routinely to show my thanks and gratitude. I will list the rules for the giveaway at the end of the post. Here's what will be included in the giveaway...

e. l. f. Eyebrow Kit - This is my favorite dupe for all those brow duos - HD Brows, Anastasia, etc. This is a staple in my vanity. I use the gel side everyday on my brows to add shape and also help keep them in place. I've included this in the shade "medium."

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara - I've done a review post about this mascara here. Love this!

Benefit Hervana Blush - Raved about this blush here.

e.l.f. Plumping Lip Glaze - these are double-sided glosses that plump and add color & shine. I've included these in the shades "oasis," "fuchsia fanatic," and "baby doll." Love these shades for fall.

The Body Shop Face Masks - I talked about these masks in my Nighttime Skincare Routine. I picked up the Tea Tree Mask, Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask, and the Vitamin C Microdermabrasion (not technically a mask) sachets. I've done an in-depth review here. I also included the Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask, which I haven't tried (because it's not meant for my skin type) but it's part of the collection so I wanted to put that in the giveaway as well. 

Make Up For Ever - Mini Rouge Artist Natural moisturizing soft shine lipstick in the shade "Copper Pink" (N9). This is a sample size to test out the shade. I also have the mini version of this and I love it. This is a pricier item so it's nice to be able to test it out before you go for the full size. These lipsticks are infused with mother-of-pearl and they're super moisturizing.

Make Up For Ever Sens-eyes - This is a waterproof eye makeup remover. It's a creamy consistency similar to a cream cleanser, rather than the typical oil formulation. Sensitive on the eyes but gets the job done. This is also a miniature - perfect for traveling. 

NYX Butter Lip Balms - I recently discovered the butter lip balms and fell in love. I went back for more shades because I could wear these everyday. They're moisturizing and soft like a chapstick but they have a tint to them. I picked these up in the shades "red velvet" and "biscotti" - the perfect red and nude.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish - One of my all-time favs! I did a review on this nail polish collection here. I wear these polishes all the time and I love this grey shade ("Commander in Chic") for fall & winter. It lasts for ages without chipping.

L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara - My all-time favorite mascara! I love to try other mascaras, both high-end and drugstore, but I always go back to this one. It's just the absolute best. It's dark black, it thickens and adds volumes to lashes, but it also lengthens like crazy. I don't use this on bottom lashes because it can flake and smudge, but paired with the Clinique bottom lash - it's the perfect combo! 

Wet 'n' Wild Megalast retractable eyeliner - This is smudgable, very black, and retractable. This means it's always perfectly pointed and tapered at the tip. It even comes with a smudger on the other end. It lasts all day and it's super affordable. Always a handy staple.

Flowerbomb - This is a sample of my favorite perfume - Victor & Rolf's Flowerbomb. I save this fragrance for fall and winter because it's my absolute favorite and it's such a special scent. I definitely consider this a luxury because it is pretty pricey. This is a great sample - it's large enough to get tons of wear out of it so that you can test it out before you make a big purchase. It's slightly floral - with notes of orchid, rose, and jasmine, but has a muskier scent from the patchouli. The bottles (sample and regular sized) are all really beautiful as well. 

Sephora VIB Tote Bag - I will also include the Sephora VIB exclusive tote/shopping bag (pictured in back). 

**Giveaway Rules**

- Subscribe to my blog - you can do this with or without a google + account.

- Comment on this post telling me one of your all-time favorite beauty products.

- Follow me on Twitter (@beautyhisandlos) & Instagram @beautyhighsandlows

This giveaway will close on Friday, November 14th at 11:59pm (CST). A viewer who has subscribed to this blog, and followed the associated social media accounts will be chosen at random.

October Obsession: Boots No 7 Beautiful Skin Hydration Mask

I have been using No 7 Beautiful Skin Hydration Mask from Boots everyday this month. I have always loved this product, but for some reason I've been obsessed with it throughout the month of October. I have the formula for dry/very dry skin and it hydrates my skin so much. I struggle with extremely dry skin especially on my face, and this mask solves my dry skin problems every time. It's meant to be a mask that you apply and then later remove, but it can also be used as a deep moisturizer. I apply a thin (actually, not so thin because I love it) layer to my skin and let it sink in overnight. When I wake up I never have any residue or a greasy feeling - my skin always drinks this stuff right up. Even if I use a cleanser for dry skin, I always feel much dryer at the end of the day after a shower or after washing my face. I apply this directly after cleansing or right before bed and it seems to cure my dry skin overnight.

I was reading through the reviews when I first purchased this product, and I noticed some people complained about the smell and about it tingling sensitive skin. I love the smell, I think it smells new and clean and it doesn't bother me at all; I don't ever find it offensive. I also haven't had any irritation problems with this. It's so silky and soothing that I can't imagine it would ever bother my skin. I would say I have sensitive skin, and I often find that certain products burn or irritate my skin, but this isn't one of them. I love the packing as well - you can dispense the desired amount of product, it stays clean, you can see how much you have left, and the pump works seamlessly. An all-around love for me!

I get mine at Target but you can also find it at Ulta and online at Boots. Your local drugstore like Walgreens or CVS may carry it as well.

September Favorites!

September flew by but I'm so happy to see October. I'm ready for fall weather, pumpkin everything, and boots! Fall is my favorite season and I'm so glad it's finally here. Here are some beauty and non-beauty items I loved during September.

Beauty:

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation - I love this foundation. I'm usually a fan of Revlon foundations not only for their consistencies but also their color range. They have a nice array of fair shades and some really light shades that match my skin perfectly. I have this foundation in the shade "ivory" and it's an absolutely perfect match. It really looks like my skin and provides just enough coverage. You could apply a light layer for sheer coverage on a "no makeup" day or you could add a thicker layer for light-medium coverage and touch up any spots with concealer. I apply this with a beauty blender.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - I like the yellow tones in this concealer. I use it under my eyes with pretty much any foundation. It provides good coverage so you could wear a sheer layer of foundation and cover any under eye bags or darkness with this concealer and you're ready to go. I like the packaging, I just wish it was a little larger because I run through it pretty quickly. I apply this with the same beauty blender I used to apply my foundation. I use the shade "Chantilly." This goes for $29 at Sephora.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush - This is my transition blush. It still has shimmer and a highlight to it, but it's a deeper pink so it's the perfect transition from summer to winter. At $35, I think it's priced fairly. I love the packaging and the blush is pigmented and so easy to blend. The highlight swirled in is subtle but still adds a touch of a sheen to the cheekbones. I've been reaching for this a lot lately and I think it could be used as a daytime blush during Winter as well.

Make Up Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara - I have been loving this mascara. It's affordable as far as high-end mascaras go ($24) and I love the brush. It's a soft brush that's fat at the base and tapers to a point at the end - sort of pear-shaped. It's really black and doesn't flake onto my under eye area or smudge throughout the day. My favorite way to wear this mascara is with a smoky wing. I apply gel liner in a wing and then use a pencil brush and a black shadow to smoke out the edges. This look combined with the mascara has a really beautiful effect and makes it look like you're wearing false lashes.

Non-Beauty:

Bamboo Lane Crunchy Rice Rollers - These are fat-free popped rice snacks lightly sweetened with rice syrup and natural cane juice. I like to have these for breakfast with a little almond butter. They're crunchy but light and have just the right amount of sweetness. I picked these up at Costco, but I've linked the Amazon page for them for those of you without access to a Costco.

Twinings Earl Grey Tea - this is an old favorite of mine but I rediscovered it last month and remembered how much I LOVE this tea. I take my tea with sugar and milk, but lately I've been using Monk Fruit sweetener as a sugar alternative.