February Favorites and Fails

Hey Friends! I can't believe I'm already back with a monthly round-up of monthly favorites. In today's post, I'm sharing my favorites, my fails, and products I've used up in the month of February. Read my January Favorites + Fails here if you want to see what I loved last month.  These Favorites and Fails will go under my "life" category if you ever want to find them in the future! 

February Favorites 

Beauty Favorites

BareMinerals Original Foundation

This month I've switched from liquid foundation back to an old classic. Ever since getting back from my honeymoon my skin has not been it's best, but at least it behaved leading up to the wedding! I wanted to try switching foundations to something lighter on the skin, and I remember their tagline saying "so good you can sleep in it". I had an old container in the light shade, but it was too yellow for me. I also didn't care for the original brush I still had in the back on my makeup storage because it felt scratchy compared to my other brushes. I found this kit on the Sephora website and thought it was the perfect solution. Both the makeup and brush have made it to my favorites list! The brush is so soft and I love to buff in the product, plus its rose gold.

Salley Hanses Miracle Gel in shade Little Peony

This color was love at first site in the Target aisle. Light/ white pink polishes are my go-to almost year round, and this is my favorite formula for home manicures. Essie Fiji has never worked for me because it always streaks, but this formula is so thick and easy to apply! The top coat is also my favorite, but it will give you bubbles in your polish if you use too much of it. It also dries really fast!

BareMinerals Matte Lipstick in Slay

This is the newest product to make my favorites but I did want to mention it for the girls who haven't fallen in love with liquid lipsticks (like me!). I always found liquid lipsticks to be way too drying and intense for every day. I'm a chapstick / lipgloss girl at heart. But when I tried this it actually feels way lighter on the lips and I love the color (Slay). I recommend swatching them next time you're at the beauty counter!

Loreal Lash Primer + Dior Overcurl Mascara

This was a favorite last month, so I'll probably stop mentioning it in upcoming favorites. Unless you see a new combo, assume this is still a favorite! I've been using this combo since last spring. I've never been one to splurge on mascaras, but after trying the Dior Overcurl mascara my mom and I have been hooked ever since! The primer is also better than three other's I've tried in Sephora.

O.R.G Skincare Mineral Peel Face 

I received this product in my Editors Box from Fab Fit Fun (I purchased the box out of my own curiosity). This was my favorite product included in the box. You spray it on and let it sit for 5 seconds, then as you rub your skin you will start to feel your skin ball up! Sounds gross, but I love it in the morning before applying makeup. I also like to use it on my dry lips.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

 This little sample was included in an Ulta order and I've been loving it to treat my dry lips! I have a few others that just feel like vaseline,  but this product really feels like it does something to my lips when I apply it. It has more of a wavy texture. 

Lifestyle Favorites

Endless Rose Top

I'm slightly embarrassed by how much you're going to see this top here in the next few weeks. I pre-shot a lot of photos for future posts (not fashion related) and never switched tops! But, I'm ok with it because I just love the top. It's probably my favorite purchase for the upcoming season, I'm tempted to buy it in white as well. I recommend sizing up if you have broader shoulders like I do, I purchased a small and a medium and returned the small.

See this top styled here

Kate Spade Rose Gold Case

Tim spoiled me with a new MacBook on my birthday and I've been on the lookout for a case that wasn't boring and/or masculine. My patience paid off because I found this metallic rose gold case this month. It's actually designed for a Microsoft pro, but my computer has plenty of room inside. This hard case is also tempting me, but I'll probably just go with this case alone for now.

Nike Juvenate 

For Valentines Day Tim gifted me these new Nike's and they're way more comfortable that I was expecting. They're very flexible and they barely feel like anything on top of your feet. I've been totally accepting the athleisure trend and wearing them with jeans (and even to work ;) as much as I can. I always have to size up a half size in Nikes, and these were no exception. I've sent the link to four people at work, so they're definitely a hit!

Sugarfina Candy

On my birthday I decided to treat myself to this Cheer's box and ever since these boxes have been my guilty pleasure. I recently bought 3 valentines boxes while they were offering buy 2 get 1 free and have been snacking on them all weekend! My favorites are the champagne and bubbly bears, I even had them at my wedding while we were getting ready.

Sugar Paper Pocket Planner

I could include everything from Sugar Paper + Target on my favorites, they just speak to my little organization heart. When I found this little planner in store, I somehow justified a second planner for 2017 because my other planner was too big to carry with me everywhere. I still take it to work, but this one is always with me to jot down appointments and reminders.  Some other things I love from their line: this scalloped business card holder and this file organizer. 

February Fails / What I returned 

Tarte Shape Tape

I'm bummed this didn't work out for me because I haven't stopped hearing about it! The coverage was ideal, but the fragrance is what made this a fail for me. I even got a random clogged pore under my eye and I blame the chemicals in the product. I should have referenced my girl Paula before purchasing to save me the trouble.

Lush Surplice Tee

Other than the color I really have no positive things to say about this tee. It felt scratchy and was thin, the cut was way too low in the bust and too cropped at the waist, and the wrap didn't lay like it does in the model photo. I definitely returned.

Products I used up in February / What I repurchased

Tula Day and Night Moisturizer

This moisturizer lasted longer than I expected, and I did repurchase it while they had a promotion for a free cleanser with purchase. It's light on the skin and has kept my skin balanced through the winter months. You can read about my skincare routine here. My only complaint about this line is that it has a slight "grandma" scent, but I'll take that over a synthetic fragrance any day!

Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo

I've repurchase my 5th bottle of this stuff and I'm not even done with my 4th! Tim always picks them up for me at this work because it gets a slight employee discount on it. It's definitely the best I have tried, and I've tried a lot! If you want me to do a review on the dry shampoo products I've tried, just let me know.

Donna Karen Deodorant

This lasted much longer than my regular drugstore deodorant, which is good since it was like triple the price ;) I repurchased it during the fall Sephora VIB sale only because Tim would actually compliment on how I smell when wearing it. Now that he know's it's from a department store, he no longer likes to encourage that behavior ;)

 Loreal Voluminous Primer

This primer beats three other's I have tried from Sephora. I only use it on the weekends, because ain't no body got time for mascara primer before work. Already repurchased!

Olly Vitamins

These were really easy to remember to take every morning because they were like candy, which is good if you really struggle with vitamins. I didn't repurchase however because I didn't like the first two ingredients - high fructose corn syrup and sugar.

It Cosmetics CC cream

This is the second tube of this I've gone through. I didn't repurchase for reasons I will share in my upcoming review!

Mac Brush Cleanser

This is such an old product in my beauty cabinet, which shows how often I clean my makeup brushes.. ouch! But really, I use something else to deep clean my brushes. This cleanser is good for quick clean ups if you're using the same brush to blend eyeshadow colors or blush. I don't love the strong alcohol smell, so I don't plan on repurchasing. I will Back to Mac it, though!

What I'm looking forward to in March?

• Celebrating Maw Maw's (my grandmothers) 90th birthday
• St. Patricks Day in Savannah with my girlfriends
• Friends wedding
• Spring weather and fashion

Have any favorites I should know about? Leave them in the comments below! I would also love to hear about something you're excited for in March.

xo Amanda John 

January Favorites

January came and went but I feel like a lot was accomplished. I turned 28, GA had a snow day, and the Falcons are going to the Super Bowl. Today I'm rounding up all my favorites in beauty, fashion and lifestyle to share the highlights of January, but also a few low lights to update y'all on things that didn't work out for me as well. 

January Beauty Favorites:

Favorite Nail Polish

Favorite Full Coverage Foundation

Favorite Exfoliator

Favorite New Skincare Addition

Favorite Hair Product (giveaway ends tonight!)

Favorite Drugstore Product 

January Fashion Favorites:

Favorite Look

Favorite Addition to my closet

Favorite Dupe

Favorite Fit Find

Favorite Sale Purchase 

Favorite Fashion Pinspiration

January Lifestyle Favorites:

Favorite Post

Favorite Song

Favorite Blogger Tool

Favorite Show: The Bachelor

January Misses:

I think this breaks me out. Luckily I have been trying a sample and didn't splurge on it. 

This mask felt more like a moisturizer and started soaking into my skin within a minute or two. My skin felt softer after I washed it right off, but it wasn't the product I was hoping for.

I've heard great things about this drugstore mascara, but it just doesn't do it for me. This one is my favorite and totally worth the splurge! 

Tim asked me what today's post was on and when I told him favorites he responded, "so it's about me?" 😂 I hope you liked this new addition and I plan to share these monthly to update on things that don't necessarily make the blog during the month.

xo Amanda John

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May Favorites

Flamingo Case / Sunscreen Kit / Foundation / Beauty Blender / Self Tan + Face Tan / Bow Fedora / Lipgloss / Nike Shoes

I thought that after about 5 months it was time to do another monthly favorites roundup. It's been a while because I found myself sticking with similar products, so what was the point in repeating myself? Lately I've been getting into skincare and testing new products, so take a look at what I've been loving all month long!

I love that this sunscreen kit is sold out online (sorry online shoppers, but there are plenty in stores!) May is melanoma awareness month and I think people are jumping on the prevention train now more than ever. This is my first time purchasing the kit because I really wanted to focus on wearing sunscreen daily and not just when I'm going to the pool or beach. Back in January I had about an inch of tissue removed from my back due to an abnormal mole, and although I was fortunate to go early enough before it was anything serious (I visit the term annually), it still makes me paranoid. I purchased this kit because I trusted Sephora to lead me towards the best products (non-greasy or too white on the skin). So far I've only used a few products but the first one is already a hit! Going along with this theme is this panama hat I picked up last year (linked is this years version). I've been wearing it to protect my head, outfit post to follow!

I purchased the full size of Roller Lash mascara after trying a sample because I've always been a fan of curled lashes..my curl usually falls before leaving the house :(. I use this during the day then add another coat of my long time fave mascara to the top lashes for night time. I think Roller lash is great for those interested in defined and longer lashes (with of course a curl, I don't even use my eyelash curler with it!). I have blonde eyelashes so really any mascara makes a huge difference to my look, haha. 

I wasn't a fan of this foundation until I combined it with a damp beauty blender. More on that to follow as I plan to do a full makeup routine for the blog as soon as I can get the pictures done.

I've been loving this flamingo case. I got it during a sunglass sale for only $5 and although it's great for sunglasses I've been more so loving it as a iPhone case, is that weird? As a person who has horrible iPhone luck (I'm on my 5th one I think.... one fell in the toilet, one I ran over with my car, one fell out of a jeep during a speed bump... you get the picture..). I feel less anxiety when I'm out and about and my phone is double protected in this, especially when I only have this case on it (because it's all about the looks... #vain). 

I came across this self tanner review and thought I would give it a try, because I mean she completely sold it to me and was a third of the price of my current go-to. Well after trying it myself I would agree that she's completely right. This tanner lasts much longer than others I've tried, which is a huge plus because I don't have the time to re-apply during the week. I still use this lotion every few showers to keep up the tan, but I don't think it's completely necessary like when using others. SCxo tip: this is a must for the best/easiest application!

It's crazy how much you don't realize how worn down your old running shoes are until you get a fresh new pair. These have been on my wish list for a few months and when I found them at the Nike Outlet for a discounted price I couldn't say no! Well actually Tim bought them for me, so technically he could't say no...

What products have you been loving this past month? Your recommendations are greatly appreciated!

Friday Favorites

It's officially Spring Break! I'll be in Florida all next week and plan to take a little social media break. In the meantime, here are some links I've been loving!

This watch is very Kate Spast-esk and is under $25!

If you're on the market for mascara (really when are you not?) check out this link to see how 100 different mascaras apply. 

Target has been on point for their beachwear this season. Love this and this

I am all about the boho sheer cardigan cover ups I've seen lately. I recently picked up this one with their BOGO! I wish I had time to order this one...

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I would LOVE to snack on these little treats (link and link)


All these spring colors are making me giddy! Hope you all have a great weekend!

Monthly Favorites: February

Jergens / Shampoo / Lipstick / Leggings / Wonder Pencil / Lip Primer

Jergens: This is a must during the winter months because it's natural enough (color wise) to use. I switch to a deeper self tanner for the warmer months. 

Shampoo: I wanted to give this shampoo a try after I saw it was one of Allure's Best of Beauty. For starters I love the smell, and I really did notice a difference in my curls. I'm not trying a little kit from Ulta that includes the shampoo, conditioner, and their 5 in 1 styling cream, definitely a fan! Not sure if I'll purchase the full size or not because of the price, so for now I'm saving the products for weekend hair ;)

Lipstick: This color was my most recent back-2-Mac selection and at first I wasn't too impressed but it has grown on me. I mean how appealing is the color "syrup". But it provides a great natural lip color if used lightly, and you can build it for a much deeper color. 

Leggings: I was wanting some fun leggings, but I always talked myself out of purchasing any because I wasn't too comfortable wearing them. When I saw these however they were exactly what I was looking for. I love the colors, and the panels on the back are just enough to make them fun and different. The first day I wore them I got at least 5 compliments on them. Hurry and check your store before they sell out! 

Wonder Pencil: Another recent purchase that I've been loving. I use this to lightly outline my top lip when I wear lip colors, to brighten (makes them look fuller) and also acts as a reverse lip liner. 

Lip Primer: I used to hate wearing lipstick.... until I found this product. It helps fill in lip lines and makes the lipstick go on much smoother. 

Vans Protein waffles: Funny to include but these have been my favorite find of this month. I've been eating much healthier, so I look forward to eating one of these every day. I spread a little peanut butter on it to make it even more magical. I never feel guilty eating them. I have seen them at Kroger and Publix, so I'm sure they're available wherever you shop! 

Thank you for reading. Let me know any of your current must haves!

Friday Favorites

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1.  My birthday was so wonderful and I am so fortunate to be surrounded by such amazing friends and family! My parents surprised me with an iPhone 6 (yay for upgrading from 16GB to 64!) and Tim spoiled me with Tiffany stud earrings. I prefer to wear studs because I have a fear of ripping out my ear hole, plus earrings can get uncomfortable. 

2. This was an interesting read. I agree with all of them except the "forced waves" because I think Carrie and that hair is gorgeous! What do you think about these trends that need to go?

3. I received a Teavana starter kit for Christmas and I'm officially obsessed. They're having a huge sale right now so if you're interested in trying it now is the time! Teas and such 50% off original price. I currently have two green teas and a chai that I can't wait to bring back to Savannah with me. Also I feel so much healthier drinking tea than my coffee with too much french vanilla creamer in it.

4. I won a giveaway on New Year's Day from this awesome lady, and it turned my week (and year ;) around!. I actually woke up that morning to a call from my credit card company asking about charges. Turns out my card fell out of my bag when leaving a bar NYE and someone used it. Luckily it was refunded but still a not so fun way to start the year off. Anywho, the same morning she informed me I won a giveaway that I actually didn't even realized I entered... it's the little things :)

And for my #WeekendWishlist:
~ I'm on the market for a natural lip liner and I'm looking at this one.
~I have a $50 gift card to Tory and I'm not sure what I'll spend it on (I don't need to invest in anything big) but I'm leaning towards this, this, or this
~ I was emailed 50% off one piece at Kendra Scott. I haven't really looked online much because I love browsing their store, it's so gorgeous! But I love this and these!



I'm off to enjoy my last weekend in Atlanta- I'm heading back to Savannah Sunday for a fun filled Spring Semester.

Friday Favorites: Best in Beauty from 2014

Happy Friday! It really doesn't feel like a Friday though.. my days are all mixed up between break from school and the holidays. Anyway.. today I'm sharing my beauty favorites from the year of 2014!

Favorite Hair Product: Batiste Dry Shampoo 

I've gone through a couple bottles of this stuff throughout the year. Before discovering this product I didn't like the feeling of dry shampoo in my hair. However this one doesn't leave a weird texture and I love it for volume. I even use it on freshly washed hair! When I'm out of this stuff I just use baby powder (only recommend this for light colored hair) but during this time of year it makes my hair really staticky. I recently picked up twi bottles at ultra for BOGO 50% off and they always have a $3.50 off coupon.

Favorite Styling Tool: Hot Tools

A few years ago I hated curling my hair. Every time I tried to it would turn out horribly then just fall out into an unflattering flip. Now, I'm the exact opposite and rarely ever style my hair straight - it helps me fake volume throughout my hair. That's because I finally found the size barrel and hairspray that works for me. If you have problems keeping curl, I recommend using dry shampoo to give it some grip, curl with a 1inch barrel (the bigger the barrel the looser the curls...therefore the easier they fall out), then hairspray. I wait for my hair to cool down from the heat before I run my fingers through them and style it. Side note: curling your hair without your thumb sucks. 

Perfect Cat-eye Liner: Kat Von D 

I rarely leave the house without a little winged liner (except for school or target runs). This is my go-to because it's the perfect shape and size to get the line I want. I've noticed that other brands I've tried are a sticker formulation (I would notice it transferring to my eyelid) but this one stays put.

Favorite Lip Product : Buxom

These are a favorite because they aren't too sticky and they have a cooling tingle once applied to the lips (aka plump action). My favorite colors (including all 3 different formulations) are white russian, katie, and hot mama.

Favorite Mascara: Too- Faced 

I've heard mixed reviews about this mascara, but I haven't found a better one that makes my eyelashes as dark and full looking. I have noticed some flecks under my eye after touching my eyes a lot, but the benefits outweigh this flaw. This mascara helps keep curl and adds the fluttery fullness I want. To avoid clumping I use this brush or an old mascara brush to comb through my lashes. 

Favorite Concealer: NYX

I've heard this concealer was a dupe for this popular one, so I wanted to try it out. I think it provides a great coverage, isn't too thick of a formulation, and brightens my under eye. Not to mention it's under 5$

Favorite Beauty Tool: Beauty Blender

I use this when damp to apply foundation and concealer. You can get away with a heavier coverage foundation with this applicator because it helps blend into the skin better and makes it more natural looking. I only like this full coverage foundation when used with the BB, it's way too thick if applied with your fingers. Secondly,  I love how one side has a thinner tip for under the eyes and around the nose. 

Favorite Moisturizer: Coconut Oil

Hands down this isn't just my favorite moisturizer for my face and body, but I also love to use it as a hair mask and eye makeup remover. Heck, what other product can you also cook with? Actually, here are 101 ways to use coconut oil if you're interested.

Favorite Self Tan: St. Tropez AND Jergens Natural Glow

I couldn't just pick one, because St. Tropez would look horrible on me this time of year. I prefer Jergens during his time of year and I love St. Tropez because it dries quickly and the color is natural!

Favorite Scent: Bronze Goddess

I absolutely love this scent during spring and summer, especially because I live in Savannah (although living coastal definitely isn't required). It smells like a beach vacation in a bottle.

You can also shop these products in the widget below! I've also updated my sidebar beauty favorites so you can find these products as well as a few others.

Have a great weekend everyone,

Friday Favorites

I've been loving LC's new bob! I wonder how long it will last. Also, how fabulous are her sunglasses?! If y'all know where to get some similar, let me know! 

 Anthropologie knows how to decorate for the holidays! It definitely doesn't feel like Thanksgiving and Christmas season to me just yet, but maybe next weekend I'll be ready for it. 

Boot socks (really these are just calf sleeves) have been my favorite accessory lately. These boots are really tall, but I how they just sneak over the back of them! I bought mine at Fashion Cupcake, but I've also seen them at Francescas and on Etsy!

Last week my roomies and I hosted a pajama theme birthday party for a friend. It was AWESOME to be comfy and have an excuse to wear an adult onsie. I got this one from target, and they had a good collection of them if you're going to a similar party! 

The vest I ordered back in JULY finally arrived this week. I'm sure a look featuring it will be up soon!

I've been obsessed with all things Taylor Swift lately (see you next October in Atlanta!), but this look took it to a new level. I love the green and orange hues together, and she is the queen of red lips! I reentry picked up her color from NARS, so if you're looking for a red I recommend it! It's matte but doesn't dry out the lips (I would be the first to say it does)). I have found you can apply it lightly for a more natural look or full on apply it like Taylor does!

This weekend I'll be at the GA Flag Football State tournament.. yes it really is a thing haha. It should be a very interesting (but fun) weekend with my PT team! I'm mentally preparing for a new level of soreness.

Happy weekend!

Halloween!

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Of course I'm bringing you a special edition of Friday Favorites because ^. Halloween is the most fun holiday of the year, and that's coming from a girl who couldn't watch Scoobie Doo growing up. I'm not really about being scared, but I do love everything else about it (aka candy). Usually, I do everything in my power to incorporate a tutu into my costume, but this year I decided to go as an "obnoxious crossfit-er" - inspired by this video. I have my paleo lunch packed, baby powder, a fake barbell to throw around all night, and a custom tee to pull off my look. I'm fully expecting to be sore on Saturday from all my WODs planned for the night. 

What are you/did you dressing up as?

This DIY Mermaid costume by the one and only Lauren Conrad is everything 

Hungry? You should probably make these for breakfast

Of course Taylor Swifts new album needs to be mentioned! I miss her old half loving//half bitter country albums, but homegirl can put out an album. My favorite at the moment is Blank Space. Whats yours?

SALES: 

Goodnight Macaroon is having 30% off everything with code HALLOWEEN (ending today)

LOFT is having 40% off everything in store (ends Saturday)

Old Navy is having $15 of your $50 purchase (and flannels are $19) in store today

Forever 21 is having 20% off with code F21FRIEND (ends Nov 2)
BaubleBar: get additional 20% off sale with code SPOOKY
Target: BOGO 50% off clothing 

Wishing everyone a safe and fun weekend!

P.S: Check out my Instagram closet, Currently listed are designer knee high boots and a Marc Jacobs rose gold watch!