Happy Saturday, friends! And Happy End of Beautycounter Week!
I have been so excited sharing all of the fun holiday sets that Beautycounter released this year. I’m thrilled for those of you that have purchased already. Whether they’re for yourself or gifts for others, you and your gift recipients will not be disappointed.
Happy November everyone! I’m currently watching a Hallmark Christmas movie, and all I can think about is Christmas presents. Luckily, Beautycounter has made it easy for those of us wanting to try out some new products. Last month I shared the makeup sets that Beautycounter put out for this holiday season. Today I want to share the skincare sets with you. If you’ve been thinking about trying out Beautycounter, now is the time to do it! Continue reading “Beautycounter Holiday Skincare Sets”
I worked at Wisteria Cottage this past weekend, and so many women were coming in to buy Christmas presents. And all I could think was, isn’t it a little early? But, y’all, it’s so not. It’s that time of year. Time to start making your lists and checking them twice. Continue reading “Beautycounter Holiday Makeup Collections”
PRODUCT REVIEW: COLOR INTENSE LIP SET FROM BEAUTYCOUNTER
I’ve said this before about this product: I love them so much. I really do.
I’m wearing 9 to 5 here. It’s the one I’ve been wearing the most this fall.
I know I’m a little biased because I do work for this company, but I believe in their mission and their products. And when I heard that we ingest the products that are on our lips, I thought lip products would be a great place to make a switch to safer beauty. And for someone like me who loves lipstick and loves wearing a different color everyday, you know, to coordinate with my outfit, I knew this set was going to be perfect.
They arrived in the mail on a Tuesday. I told Paul I needed these, and seeing as how I’d just placed a pretty large order to Beautycounter, he was less than thrilled when I told him about the lipsticks. (Husbands…)He conceded and told me I could have them for Christmas. I could share with clients, but I couldn’t wear them because they were supposed to be wrapped and put under the tree. Well…had that actually happened, I couldn’t write this post for you. So, it’s technically still a Christmas present, but I’ve been wearing them everyday since they came that Tuesday.
Pigmentation and Longevity
Beautycounter has found a fabulous way to make these lipsticks super pigmented and safe for you. Praise be! I have to blot sometimes because the color is too intense if I’m heavy handed that day. However, that’s why it’s name is the Color Intense Lip Set. Aren’t they beautiful?
As for how long they last? I put my lipstick on just before I walk out the door which is sometime between 7:00 and 7:30. I usually eat a snack and drink from my water bottle from that time until lunch at 12:30. Now, I’m a messy eater. I’m the girl that needs two or three napkins per meal, and when we sit down at a restaurant, Paul immediately asks for more napkins because he knows I’ll need them. So, I eat lunch and really use my napkins. 🙂 At that point, most of my lipstick is gone. My messiness notwithstanding, I’d say that the lipstick is long-wearing. We’ve all worn lipsticks that wear off quickly, and these simply aren’t one of them. Thank you, Beautycounter!
Let’s Try Them On
The set consists of five gorgeous, flattering colors: Girls’ Night (classic red), Little Black Dress (rich berry), Brunch (tawny nude), First Date (rosy pink), and 9 to 5 (luminous mauve). Aren’t those names fun? Get ready for a whole lot of me. If you can get past so many of my faces, you can really tell the difference in the colors. There’s no filter on these pictures to show you a true look at their color. These were taken on a cloudy morning.
Why is Beautycounter Lipstick Safer?
“Our lipsticks get their moisturizing touch from plant-based ingredients such as jojoba esters and their light minty scent from peppermint oil—not from synthetic flavors, fragrances, or chemicals that may have harmful health effects.”- Beautycounter Website
This right here is why I love these products so much. There are already so many factors that play into the harm of our health. Why let your makeup and skincare be one more thing? Beautycounter has a very transparent ingredient list for all of their products. And one of the best things about this company is their Never List. I like knowing that these chemicals and ingredients will never be in my skin care and makeup. Make the switch today!
Links
If you’d like your own Color Intense Lip Set or any of the Beautycounter products, I’ll leave a few helpful links below.
‘Tis the season for holiday parties! And any good Southern girl knows that she needs to take the hostess a little token of her appreciation for inviting her to such a festive occasion. Here are a few gift ideas for the hostesses of your holiday soirées.
Kate Spade Things We Love Coffee Table Book– I actually have this book and love it. It’s such a fun book to look at, and guests love to flip through it too. It’s delightfully cheery and perfect for the color-loving hostess in your life.
Lux Candle in Fraser Fir– This is hands down my favorite candle ever. And I’m a lover of Leaves from Bath and Body Works and most Tyler Candles, but this one…it’s the best. It is so festive and so fragrant. Bonus for the locals- The Pineapple sells these and in these cute gift boxes too! I took the topper off the box and made an ornament out of it this year.
William Sonoma Peppermint Bark– I remember the first time I ever tried this stuff. And every Christmas I’ve found a way to go in and sample it or get a tin. It’s a great hostess gift because she can stash it away for herself or open it up to serve at the party. Can’t go wrong with this one.
Kate Spade Deco Dot Round Baker– I think this would be a great gift to give if you had to bring a dish for a pot luck dinner. Bring your pie, quiche, or whatever you make in this adorable baker and tell the hostess she gets to keep the dish too! I would be delighted. Kate Spade is one of my favorites and can be found often at TJ Maxx and Home Goods at a bit of a discount.
Plaid Cooking Apron from Hearth and Hand at Target– I couldn’t not add something from Hearth and Hand. I think this apron is so festive and would be perfect to pull out every Christmas. It’s also really cute, and I wouldn’t mind wearing it in front of my guests as I finished cooking.
Laura in the Kitchen Cookbook– Laura Vitale is one of the first YouTubers I watched. She still posts cooking videos on her YouTube channel, and trust me, you want to check her out. I made Croque Madame from following her videos. That’s saying something, y’all. The cookbook is beautiful and has wonderful Italian-American recipes that make you want to have Sunday dinner with your whole family whether you’re Italian or not.
Faux Fur Wine Bag– The wine bag in the picture and in this link is to Restoration Hardware. They have a great selection, but another perk for the locals- Vesta Taylor had them in her store downtown a few weeks ago, and I thought they were luxuriously soft. If you’re going to get one, get one from her! It’s such an on-trend way to gift a bottle of vino to your hostess.
Cer Blue Flower Vase from At Home– You can’t go wrong with a fresh bouquet of flowers for your hostess, and this vase takes it to the next level. And it’s on clearance for $2.49 right now!! Yes! Under $3! This one’s a no-brainer.
Holiday Soap Trio from Beautycounter– With guests in and out of her house and bathrooms, what hostess doesn’t need a nice set of hand soaps? The best thing about this soap is it’s toxin-free and safe for her and all of her guests to use.
If they’re anything like my husband or dad or brother, there’s nothing they want (nothing that costs under a lot of money anyway), and chances are, they’ve already bought everything they need throughout the year. Well, I came up with a few things that some of the men in my life might like. Maybe it’ll be helpful for some of the guys in your life too.
Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Vest– Overall it’s not too cold here in Alabama, so a vest is a great piece to have for the cooler months. These vests look super soft and very chic. **But I found a great deal on Columbia ones at Academy today! Here’s the link.
Paco Rabanne Invictus Eau de Toilette Spray– Paul has been wearing this for a few years now and still likes it. We got him the large bottle last year, and he still has so much left. A little goes a long way, y’all. But it smells delicious.
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens– I’ll be honest, I am the one that really wants this camera. Paul isn’t much of a tech guy or a picture taker, but I know there are a lot of guys that are. I’ve heard so many great reviews on this camera, and it’s at the top of my high-dollar Christmas wish list. Bonus: It is on sale right now!
FootJoy Mens Club Casuals Buckle Loafers– Paul has been through a pair of these already, but his didn’t have the buckle. They look very nice and hold up well. I just love the buckle detail, and they look pretty sharp in black too.
FootJoy Pro/SL Mens Golf Shoe– These navy, orange, and white golf shoes lean a little in the Auburn fan direction, but they looked pretty awesome to me. There are other color combos in this shoe if this isn’t your man’s style.
Columbia Men’s Fast Trek Scarf– I said earlier it doesn’t get very cold here in Alabama, but sometimes it does. Especially during those early morning hunting excursions. This scarf would be a great and very warm addition to the hunting wardrobe.
Brookstone Bed Fan with Wireless Remote– Anyone else sleep next to a hot box every night? This fan has been on Paul’s list for quite some time now. It’s not a bad price and might really be a game changer for a better night’s sleep. I’ll report back if Santa brings this to our house. 🙂
I used to make a list of what I wanted for Christmas. I’m talking well into my 20s, I still made a list. I don’t do that anymore…mostly because Paul thought I was being ridiculous. So now, I just send him links of things I want randomly and drop hints here and there. But now that I’m in the blogging world, I get to make my list again. Take that, Paul! 🙂 He knows I’m kidding, and probably knows everything that I’m going to tell you about.
In all seriousness, I share this list not to receive gifts but to share some things that I would like to have, things that I already have, and things that I’m planning to give to others. Hopefully this will give you an idea for a few people that are on your list to buy for this Christmas.
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera– I cannot stop thinking about this camera. It is on my Gifts for Him gift guide coming soon, and I’m putting it here again. I NEED a camera with my blog. Running on an iPhone with photo editing apps only takes you so far. Amazon says they only have 3 left! They’re on sale right now, and when they come back, who knows what they’ll cost?! SANTA, PLEASE!!
Mophie Charging Case– I run through my cell phone battery so quickly. I use it a lot in the mornings to binge watch Downton Abbey while I’m getting ready, so by the time I get to school I’m down to 50%. I charge it when I get there, but I do a lot of other things on my phone, as we all do, in the evenings, and I would like to not be in the red all the time. I think this would be a great investment for those of us on our phones a lot (for work or play).
Ikea Ribba Frame– I’ve been thinking about making some changes to my gallery wall in my living room (see it here), and I’m liking more of a grid layout. These frames have a thick mat and clean lines for the look I’m hoping to create.
Shark Steam Mop– Truth is, I need a mop. I have had a Shark before, but it finally wore out. They have come down significantly in price since we got married seven years ago which is a major bonus.
Hearth and Hand Salt and Pepper Cellars– Clearly I’m obsessed with Hearth and Hand by Chip and Joanna Gaines, but I’ve long ago been a fan of these little cellars. Giada always had them and now I can get my hands on some really cute ones for an amazing price.
Montmartre Art Print at Minted– I am on the lookout for a large print to go on the other wall of our dining nook, and I think I just found it. Minted has countless options for beautiful artwork and frames it for you too. I love everything about this print (especially that striped awning).
Zoya Nail Polish in Marnie– Fun fact: This nail polish is named for one of my favorite YouTubers, Ms. Goldgirl. I have this color and have been wearing it a lot this fall season. It looks good on my fair skin and some darker colors are kind of harsh for that reason. This would be a great gift for a girlfriend, daughter, sister, mother, mother-in-law, pretty much any woman. I use Zoya nail polish because it has removed toxic ingredients such as toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and DBP (dibutyl phthalate) from its formulation. There are other safe nail polish options out there, but I have only used Zoya. Excellent, long-wearing, and endless color choices to choose from. Also, Zoya has great sales throughout the year. I’ve ordered from them before a lot. I can also find a limited selection of some of their products at Ulta in Montgomery-for you local folks.
L.L. Bean Winter Loft Fleece Jacket– I need an everyday jacket that I can throw on. The one I have now is from college! I’m a little ashamed to admit that. We all know L.L. Bean is excellent quality and super warm. I would love this jacket but in the Cool Silver color.
Steve Madden Mules from Macy’s– I don’t have these exact shoes, but I do have some mules that I found at TJ Maxx. I am obsessed with them and am getting a taupe pair for Christmas. Mine are a velvet material that makes them so warm and cozy looking for the winter months. These are the perfect gift for the fashionista in your life.
Flat Booties– These flat booties are from my favorite boutique in Baton Rouge, Simply Chic Baton Rouge. I linked their Instagram there for you to follow. The absolute nicest girls in the world work there; the owner is just the best, and they will help out your fella when he wants to surprise you with something nice. I miss this store so much! Here’s another picture of how they styled them. And look at those jeans with the pearl detail. Seriously, go check them out.
Howlite Jewelry– I just think this marble-like jewelry is beautiful. I love how it goes with everything and would look great with white for a monochromatic look or really pop against a black outfit. The bracelet here is really cute, but the necklaces can totally be showstoppers.
Ultimate Nudes Palette from Beautycounter– This palette has been on my radar for a while, but I got “the look” from Paul when I mentioned all the things on my Beautycounter wish list. The look that says, “Have you actually seen the credit card bill?” So I have refrained from buying anything else that isn’t a necessity just yet. There are 18 shades to create countless looks. This is the PERFECT gift for the teenage girl on your list. Not only are you giving her something she will love using, but it is the perfect way to introduce her to the world of safer beauty.
Stackable Rings from Everly– I love the look of a stack of sparkly rings. This company produces some of the most gorgeous jewelry. They are mostly simulated stones so the price is excellent. And the Black Friday deal going on right now is Buy 2, Get 4 FREE! What?! You won’t be disappointed looking around this site. Load up your cart and send to your significant other for an extra sparkly present under the tree. I did!
Color Intense Lip Set by Beautycounter– I almost didn’t put this on here because it’s unavailable until December 8th, but these lipsticks are so fantastic, y’all. I was supposed to buy them, share them with my clients, and then put them away for Christmas. But I can’t. They are that good. I highly recommend these for yourself or for the beauty lover in your life.
There’s just something about this time of year that makes you want to snuggle under a super soft blanket with a mug of hot cocoa in your most comfy pjs and warmest slippers and watch your favorite Christmas movies.
Thus my inspiration for creating a cozy gifts guide.
I’m not going to lie, I want all of these for myself, but they are each great gift ideas for others.
For many years I’ve gotten Victoria’s Secret pjs, and I have loved them! They are always so cozy and last for a very long time. (Truth time- I’m wearing some right now!) 🙂 But below are my favorite line from Target. They are the softest, most comfy pjs from Target I’ve ever had.
I love that Walmart outsources with other companies on their website. You can’t find cute Chinese Laundry items in store, so when I saw these pop up, I had to click on them. Super cute.
They arrived in the mail on a Tuesday. I told Paul I needed these, and seeing as how I’d just placed a pretty large order to Beautycounter, he was less than thrilled when I told him about the lipsticks. (Husbands…)He conceded and told me I could have them for Christmas. I could share with clients, but I couldn’t wear them because they were supposed to be wrapped and put under the tree. Well…had that actually happened, I couldn’t write this post for you. So, it’s technically still a Christmas present, but I’ve been wearing them everyday since they came that Tuesday.
If you can get past so many of my faces, you can really tell the difference in the colors. There’s no filter on these pictures to show you a true look at their color. These were taken on a cloudy morning.
