March Favorites and Fails

I can't believe it's time for another round up of monthly favorites and fails. The pollen has dusted Atlanta and this month has finally started to feel like spring, so I have some new seasonal goodies to share with you!

March Favorites:

Hello, perfect little Valentino Dupes. These are seriously the best dupe out there and come in a lot more color options than other dupes as well. I ordered the flats and they just came in. I recommend going up a half size. I will give you a heads up, they smell like spray paint when you first open the box. But some things are worth waiting from China for. I also ordered the flats in white.

This Loft top has been worn on two different occasions and I've only had it a week! Actually, make that three because I'm currently wearing it to work while I finish this post on my lunch break. Getting my money's worth out of this top! I wore it to a wedding last weekend and I'll be posting this outfit on Monday - hopefully it restocks over the weekend.

Same goes for this bow-tied shoulder sweater. The cut is so flattering on and the peachy pink color is something I can never say no to! (Sunglasses are here)

I purchased my first FabFitFun box and I have to say this subscription definitely takes the cake on best subscription box in my opinion. I love it because you get full sized products and a little bit of everything. Would you want to see an unboxing post over the weekend? And no...I was not gifted the subscription :) If you use my link to try it out, we both benefit with a discount on our next box!

My skincare routine has been all over the place lately as I try to figure out what's working and what's not. These have been some of the latest additions, but I'll do an updated routine when I find one I'm happy with. Do y'all have anything you love for texture / pores?

Cleanser

Moisturizer

Exfoliators (1 | 2 | 3)

Sunscreen

Treat

I'm obsessed with this song. It would be such a good first dance song if you're trying to think of one.


Tim and I finally got our hands on some Halo top ice cream and although I think they're over-priced they're still delicious and help that sweet tooth after dinner.


I've been wearing this watch non-stop since it launched. Use code STRAWBERRYCHIC for 15% off.

I can't forget to mention that I'm finally the owner of a new car! I'm driving around a new Honda-CRV, and I feel like I'm one step closer to adulthood...not quite there yet, though ;). My brother is now the owner of my not so new car, missing hubcap and all.

March Fails:

I've added this benzoyl peroxide treatment into my routine and it has given me straight up alligator skin along my nose and cheeks after just one use. You can't really see it, but I can feel the texture and makeup does not look too great over it. I'm assuming it's too harsh for my skin in that area, but it's done wonders in my problem chin area so I keep using it every few days in that area to help clear up my breakouts and clogged pores. I chatted with my skincare girl in Sephora and she told me to just use it in problem areas.

This dress was a fail because I should have ordered two sizes down. I was too lazy and didn't want to read the measurements, but I will from here on out!  It is super cute if it fit correctly. It was my first time ordering from there, so now I know to take the measurements more seriously. I'm already waiting on my next order, you can't beat the prices. 

This color (smooch) did not do me justice. I'm convinced light pinky nude shades don't work for my skin tone, but I do like the formula and other shades (slay, juju), which were featured in my February Faves and Fails.

Not too many fails this month, which I guess is a good thing for me! Drop a comment for the products you've been loving lately. 

xo Amanda John

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IT Cosmetics CC Cream Review

Today I'm sharing a review on the It Cosmetics CC cream. It's a medium+ coverage all in one foundation that I've repurchased multiple times. I first fell in love with the product while on vacation in the summer of 2014 (sounds so romantic), and my mom also became a fan after I had her try it on the same trip. She still uses it today! I, however, have moved on to try other things. Keep reading to see why.

What It Claims:

"Clinically shown to give you 179% of skin hydration, smooth skin texture and enhance skin brightness, this breakthrough color-correcting cream never creases or cracks and instantly camouflages skin imperfections including dark spots. Plus, it’s infused with an advanced anti-aging serum made of hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, niacin, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and vitamins A, B, C and E that work in harmony to diffuse the look of wrinkles, minimize pores and give you a more radiant, supple and flawless-looking complexion."

Sounds like a sweet deal.  Let's see about all that.

Ingredients in It Cosmetics CC Cream:

I'm not going to list them all out because who even know's what all of that is?! Not this girl. but you can read them all here if that's your thing. There's definitely A LOT going on in the list, but I guess that's why they claim it does so many things.

Pros of It Cosmetics CC Cream:

• Pump Applicator 
• SPF 50
• Coverage (medium to full coverage)
• Easy to blend
• Natural Glow
• Cruelty -Free 
• Hydrating

I've been using this product for a few years now, and I've turned my mom and her sisters onto it since as well. Not to speak about their age or anything, but I think that shows it's a product that can work with various age groups and not settle into lines. I have never noticed emphasized pores when using this product. I actually didn't even know I had large pores until I started using a new product, but more on that in a different post!

The coverage of this product combined with the hydration can be a scary combo, but IT actually does a great job in both aspects with this product. As long as the color matches, it really does look like "your skin but better." 

I can't really tell if it's done anything for brown spots / anti ageing because I've always had freckles that come in the summer and lighten through the winter months, though I can assume the SPF in the product helps to limit exposure and creating new spots. I do question if I get the full benefit of SPF because I don't use a full pump, so if I plan to be in the sun for some time I do apply my own sunscreen underneath to be safe.

So I don't use a full pump? No, because I can get a comfortable amount of coverage for just half the pump amount, which is a bonus because the product lasts me twice as long. I find that a full pump emphasizes the cons I discuss next. 

Cons of It Cosmetics CC Cream:

Color Range

The limited color range is biggest negative for me, and it seems like I'm not the only one when I looked up some reviews. Most people will require two colors to mix into their perfect shade, and it's way too pricey for that when you can find another suitable color for you somewhere else. This is the main reason I've stopped using it right now. The fair is too gray/ light for me but the light it way too deep + orangey on my pale winter skin tone. When comparing the "light" shade to other light shades, this one is definitely always deeper. It works for me when I self-tan, so I'll probably return to using it in the summer time.

Finish

This product doesn't really set - it somewhat sits on top of the skin versus soaking in and drying up a bit. If you wore this with a white shirt there could definitely be transfer. I also noticed at times when I touched my face the color would be on my nails.

Wear Time

Because it's more hydrating it does eventually fade on me throughout the day and depending on your skin type it may shine up on you. I have normal to dry skin, so it's usually not too shiny, but I do like to set it with a powder to keep the coverage there a bit longer.

Final Thoughts on It Cosmetics CC Cream:

I'll still use the It Cosmetics CC Cream when I self tan because you can't beat the coverage and easy application.

I love that it has SPF 50, though I do question it's full benefits if you don't use a full pump. However, some is better than none with SPF.

I can't speak for oily skinned girls, but I don't mind the hydrating finish with my drier skin.

I would recommend the original formula over the illumination formula (pink bottle) because I'm not a fan of the subtle sparkle throughout the illumination product.

I really hope they expand their color range of the CC cream because that is the main reason I don't use it today.

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Have you tried the CC cream or other products from It Cosmetics? I've been hearing great things about their bye bye undereye so I may give that a try next. UPDATE: Tried the concealer and holy crap it's amazing. I think the bottle will last until I retire, you need the tiniest amount! It's really thick, but doesn't move throughout the day. And the light.... is actually light and brightening! 

xo Amanda John

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Tulle Sleeves and Pops of Pink

It's no secret I love pink and bows around here, so this outfit is probably one of my top 5 favorite looks I've styled on the blog. Unfortunately, the weather only let us shoot about 15 photos before it rained but I luckily had enough pictures to share!

You may recognize my bow from this post where I wore it in my hair and shared my tips to growing out your hair, but the great thing about it is you can also pin it only a top or skirt because who doesn't love a well-placed bow.

This fun top has been off and on re-stocked in limited sizes. Right now it's available in a small, which is what I'm wearing here but I think I could have also got away with a xs. I just love the fun tulle sleeve! If you're crafty I think this could also be a simple DIY to any striped top.

These shoes run a little big in my opinion, so if you're usually between sizes like me then go with a half size smaller. My bag was recently purchased at a Kate Spade outlet, so if you have one nearby you can shop this little cutie! I linked a similar pink bag from the same brand on sale in the widget below.

I mentioned these jeans on my Instagram stories and y'all seem to love them! I mean who wouldn't want the closest thing to maternity pants on the market? I tucked mine under here to give it a sleeker look at the bottom. Although I wouldn't recommend styling them tucked like in the model at the link. Lets keep these our best-kept secret shall we 😜

Use code STRAWBERRYCHIC for 15% off at Daniel Wellington - not sponsored but I was gifted the product

xo Amanda John