October Favorites

It's been too long since I did a proper favorites post. I've been sharing them on Instagram stories or Instagram posts but haven't on the blog in a few months. Ironically, they're one of my favorite posts to do because I get to share everything I'm currently loving with y'all and hope they make it into your loves, too!

S K I N

I deal with hormonal breakouts every month along my lower cheek area. I've been using this Mario Badescu Drying Lotion at night when I have a new spot come up and by the next morning it's not exploding on my face like it normally would (too visual?). If I can't resist picking my face (which is never), I also love using this alcohol-free aloe toner as a compress afterward to calm it down. It works!

This lavender cuticle oil was in my fall Fab Fit Fun box and I've used it every night since! It's a lot easier than applying a balm I used previously and doesn't make your hands sticky. Plus, the lavender scent is perfect before bedtime.

L I P S

A few lip products I've been loving and apparently y'all have been too because I've had a lot of questions on my Instagram stories about the color every time I wear it! I received the lip crayon product in my FabFitFun box.  For real, if you haven't signed up for that yet you need to try it! Read my FabFitFun review here if you're still wondering about it. And no, I'm not sponsored by them. Back to the lip products... I've been lining my lips with this product then dabbing this MAC lipstick in Velvet Teddy on my lips and it's gorgeous for fall. I received this Pixi Lipscrub in a PR package and it has replaced my previously favorite elf lip scrub. It's less harsh but still gets the job done. It's also very moisturizing. I typically use it as a first step when putting on my makeup so it has time to soak in a bit before I finish with lip products (if I even apply any that day).

H A I R

I recently switched up my hair products to Meraki and have had amazing results. My friend Emily created her own vegan and cruelty-free hair product line after clients would ask for her recommendations yet she didn't really have products she 100% loved.  So she just #girlbossed it up (yep, I'm making that a verb) and created her own product line. My absolute favorite product is this Vitamin Mist because it's an all-in-one pre-styling product that doesn't make my fine hair greasy or weighed down. It helps with hair growth (with vitamin D&E), strengthens and protects against breakage, and protects against heat damage. My flyaways have diminished since I started using it! I've also been loving the volumizing shampoo and conditioner and the first thing I noticed was I didn't have to use dry shampoo until the third day! It's even Tim approved. He said it makes his hair less frizzy and I definitely second that!

I've been focusing on home decor the last few months and haven't been inspired by fashion until the last week or so. That's because it's still been blazing hot in GA (until now).

I purchased this blanket scarf during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and finally wore it as a poncho for the first time. I fell in love with the color and pattern and it reminds me of an old school COACH print from when I worked there in college. 

I wore this dress for our anniversary photos and it was the favorite out of all of the dresses I ordered AND it was the most affordable option. I ordered at least 7 different dresses because I'm #indesisive. You will need to get a hook put in the top to contain the girls.  

I've been loving the Sugarfix line at Target since it launched because it's affordable and on trend. I always pick up a new piece when I'm shopping at Target. This necklace is the latest piece I picked up!

We finally found an ottoman to serve as our coffee table and it makes our living room feel so homey! Here is an update on the tray situation since the last home decor update. I shared where I get all of my decor coffee table books in this post!

We hosted our first party ever for my coworkers to warm our house and it went smoothly! I'm not sure how I didn't rush to get ready or burn anything ;) Although I didn't have time to shoot any photos other than the bar cart because by the time the food was set up guest started to arrive. We are hosting another one for family and friends very soon so now that one is under my belt I hope to shoot more pictures of the next one!

My favorite post of the month was definitely our one-year anniversary shoot. We had so much fun re-visiting our wedding venue and celebrating all that we learned and have grown together in the last year.

H A P P Y  H A L L O W E E N! I tried to talk Tim into being a blogger so I could be an Instagram husband, but he wasn't too thrilled with the idea of wearing my weave and willingly letting me post a picture of him ;) What are you dressing up as?

Read My Older Monthly Favorites Here

xo Amanda John

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April Favorites and Fails

 

FASHION:

Gingham Top ($20)

I've worn this top multiple times in April and always get compliments on it! Not surprising though, because it's gingham, peplum waist detail, and an epic bow back! Ever since my first purchase at this site, I've embarrassingly checked their new arrivals daily... you can't beat their prices and I think it's way better quality than Forever21. 

Valentino Dupes

If you're like me and don't see yourself ever splurging of $900 shoes, look no further than these dupes because they're seriously the closest thing to them for a tenth of the price. People have been commenting on my Instagram and didn't realize they weren't the real deal! Sizing details: order a half size up, especially in the flats. Since they 8 wasn't available I ordered my regular 7.5 and it works in the heels because the back is open but I'm returning the flats because they're too small. 

Sugarfix Necklaces [1 / 2]

I couldn't pick one because I've worn both of these all month and you can't beat the price at under $20! Also as a heads up, my favorite way to shop at Target is to order online and pick up in store. They find everything for you and you just go to the front and pick them up! It helps avoid those extra Target purchases you know you'll end up with, plus you know they'll have what you're going there for. 

Bow wedges

I'm sure you've seen me wearing these a lot on my Instagram, and they'll continue to be worn all throughout the summer season because they're comfortable! I was able to walk to dinner in D.C in these, and let me tell you I'm the first to change my mind when leaving the house in heels because I'd rather be comfortable than have painful feet.

Charming Charlie

Now this is probably weird, but CC is actually a brand favorite for the month of April. I haven't shopped in a Charming Charlier in years because I always pictures cheap gaudy jewelry to be honest. I recently became a CC brand ambassador, meaning they send me a monthly package of items. I don't always love everything, but there's always something inside them I fall in love with. Because I was reintroduced to the brand, I started visiting my local store on the weekends and they have some really great and affordable finds. I purchased the bubble earrings, donut hat, and the seersucker bow back top pictured above this month #allthehearteyes // If you want to shop there I have an in-store coupon [720000000003 ] and an online coupon [UKTTWANF] good for $10 off your purchase of $60 until May31st.

April Purchases:

BEAUTY:

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base

After years of this sitting in my collection, I finally found a brush to make it work with my skin tone and I have been loving it! It smells delicious and will last you forever because you just need a little bit for an overall glow.  P.S: This isn't a product you would want to contour with. 

Loreal Pro Glow Foundation 

Y'all, it's been years since I've tried a drugstore foundation, like potentially close to 10 years...say what? I read a few positive reviews on this foundation and one day I was in a spending mood at Ulta and decided to try it. The finish is very smooth on the skin and won't amplify pores or texture, but you probably will want to dust some powder over your skin to set it. I do have a few negatives about it but let me remind you it's only $12.99 minus the trusty $3 Ulta coupon. The product will leak into the lid some and I will occasionally get white areas when applying where the sunscreen is separating. I just take my finger and blend it in. Because there's only SPF 15, I would recommend to wear another sunscreen under. I'm not sure why they even have it in there to be honest. Another thing is the top can be a little leaky, especially after you shake it before applying.

Dior 'Diorshow - Iconic Overcurl Spectacular Volume & Curl Mascara

This has been mentioned multiple times on my blog, but I can't stop repurchasing it! It's dry enough to not clump and weight down my lashes but still builds volume and length. It's magic when you apply the second coat! I prefer a little bit dryer mascara vs a very wet one because I will get it all over my lid and have to clean it up if it's a wet consistency. My Mom never splurges on high-end makeup, but she's been repurchasing this since I gifted it to her this time last year. 

L'Occitane Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter
This was a surprise favorite this month because when I went to Sephora shopping for a body butter this is what the associate recommended. At first, when I got home and tried to use it I was like w-t-f.  I've used coconut butter as a body moisturizer for years but this was a lot more dense, almost sticky in a way. She told me to get a scoop out and melt it in my hands before applying. I can't say I use this how I originally intended because I don't want to use that much of the products to moisturize my entire body, but for areas like my elbows, hands, knees, feet, and especially my lips this product is a game changer. I apply it to my lips every single night and haven't had an issue with dry lips since I purchased it. And I've tried everything from Bite to Dior to Carmex on them.

Clarins Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster
I purchased this before my wedding because I was looking for a product to give my skin a glow but not look self tanned. It's a product that builds color based on how many drops you use, so I just add two drops into to my regular moisturizer and after a few hours it will give you the most natural color on your skin. Only negative is the smell.

New Hair Cut

I recently had all of my layers cut out and although I lost 2+ inches in length my hair looks so much thicker! I've had layers for years, and they tend to just get more and more choppy. Not ideal for someone with fine hair like me. I will say it can take little more effort to blend in my extensions now, but my hair is just an inch or two shorter than them anyway. I'm also playing around with my curling technique. I originally cut layers into my hair to help my hair keep a curl better. #canthaveitall

PRODUCT EMPTIES:

Benefit Gimme Brow Gel

I've already re-purchased this and I love it for quick brow color (aka every Monday-Friday). The brush is really small unlike others I've tried the the drugstore and it's a must for girls who can't leave the house without a little color in their brows, yay for being blonde!

Dior Overcurl Mascara

Already talked about above, but I did run and out repurchase this month

Beauty Favorites

No Fails to mention, go April!

This post is up a little late because Tim and I were in D.C during the first of the month. I plan to edit and upload a travel blog in the next week, yay!





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!

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!